Civilization Quote by Carl Sagan
““We've arranged a global civilization in which most crucial elements profoundly depend on science and technology. We have also arranged things so that almost no one understands science and technology. This is a prescription for disaster. We might get away with it for a while, but sooner or later this combustible mixture of ignorance and power is going to blow up in our faces.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Lecture on Science Literacy, 1995
Society relies heavily on science, yet most people lack understanding, creating a dangerous mix of ignorance and power.
In simple terms: Science is essential but misunderstood.
Key Takeaway
Promote scientific literacy.
Themes
science
ignorance
power
risk
Mood
urgent
concerned
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- technology development
- government decision making
- media reporting
Key Concepts
public policy
education reform
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we make science accessible without dumbing it down?
- What responsibilities do experts have in educating the public?
A Different Perspective
Complex issues may be oversimplified for public consumption.
![“[ 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)
