Accepting Quote by Carl Sagan
““...that kind of skeptical questioning, don't accept what authority tells you -attitude of science- is also nearly identical to the attitude of mind necessary for a functioning democracy. Science and democracy have very consonant values and approaches, and I don't think you can have one without the other.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Cosmos, Carl Sagan, 1980
Science and democracy share a critical, questioning mindset that challenges authority and relies on evidence and reason.
In simple terms: Both require questioning authority and evidence.
Key Takeaway
Encourage critical thinking in civic life.
Themes
critical thinking
democracy
science
authority
reason
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- public policy debates
- educational curricula
- community decision making
- media analysis
Key Concepts
Skepticism
civic engagement
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies protect scientific integrity?
- What civic duties require scientific literacy?
A Different Perspective
Science can be politicized, limiting open inquiry.
![“[ When a religious couple wrote to Sagan about fulfilled prophecies, he wrote back in May 1996 :] If ‘fulfilled prophecy’ is your criterion, why do you not believe in materialistic science, which has an unparalleled record of fulfilled prophecy? Consider, for example, eclipses.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/875/carl-sagan-160_belief_when-a-religious-couple-wrote-to-sagan-a_25095.jpg)
