--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If we offer too much silent assent about…" description: "\"If we offer too much silent assent about mysticism and superstition - even when it seems to be doing a little good - we abet a general climate in which..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f4b/carl-sagan-160_abet_if-we-offer-too-much-silent-assent-about_1548033.jpg" --- # If we offer too much silent assent about mysticism and… ![“If we offer too much silent assent about mysticism and superstition - even when it seems to be doing a little good - we abet a general climate in which scepticism is considered impolite, science tiresome, and rigorous thinking somehow stuffy and inappropriate.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f4b/carl-sagan-160_abet_if-we-offer-too-much-silent-assent-about_1548033.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f4b/carl-sagan-160_abet_if-we-offer-too-much-silent-assent-about_1548033.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f4b/carl-sagan-160_abet_if-we-offer-too-much-silent-assent-about_1548033.jpg) > “If we offer too much silent assent about mysticism and superstition - even when it seems to be doing a little good - we abet a general climate in which scepticism is considered impolite, science tiresome, and rigorous thinking somehow stuffy and inappropriate.” [Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-sagan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Encouraging uncritical acceptance of mysticism normalizes anti‑scientific attitudes and discourages rigorous inquiry. **In simple terms:** Accepting mysticism without question harms scientific discourse. Key Takeaway Question beliefs critically. Themes science skepticism culture critical thinking Mood thoughtful concerned Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - education - public debate - media analysis - policy making Key Concepts rationalism intellectual humility Questions to Reflect On - How do we balance openness to mystery with scientific rigor? - What social factors make skepticism seem impolite? A Different Perspective Blind acceptance can stifle progress and foster misinformation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Abet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/abet/) [Climate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/climate/) [Doubt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doubt/) [Mysticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mysticism/) [Scepticism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scepticism/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Superstitions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/superstitions/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [“If we offer too much silent assent about mysticism and superstition - even when it seems to be doing a little good - we…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carl-sagan/if-we-offer-too-much-silent-assent-about-mysticism-and-superstition-2/) [Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carl-sagan/) > [“The business of scepticism is to be dangerous. Scepticism challenges established institutions. 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