--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: There is an idea - strange, haunting…" description: "\"“There is an idea - strange, haunting, evocative - one of the most exquisite conjectures in science and religion. It is entirely undemonstrated; it may..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/719/carl-sagan-160_astronomy_there-is-an-idea-strange-haunting-evocat_1108319.jpg" --- # There is an idea - strange, haunting, evocative - one of… ![“There is an idea - strange, haunting, evocative - one of the most exquisite conjectures in science and religion. It is entirely undemonstrated; it may never be proved. But it stirs the blood. There is, we are told, an infinite hierarchy of universes, so that an elementary particle, such as an…” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/719/carl-sagan-160_astronomy_there-is-an-idea-strange-haunting-evocat_1108319.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/719/carl-sagan-160_astronomy_there-is-an-idea-strange-haunting-evocat_1108319.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/719/carl-sagan-160_astronomy_there-is-an-idea-strange-haunting-evocat_1108319.jpg) > ““There is an idea - strange, haunting, evocative - one of the most exquisite conjectures in science and religion. It is entirely undemonstrated; it may never be proved. But it stirs the blood. There is, we are told, an infinite hierarchy of universes, so that an elementary particle, such as an electron, in our universe would, if penetrated, reveal itself to be entire closed universe. Within it, organized into the local equivalent of galaxies and smaller structures, are an immense number of other, much tinier elementary particles, which are themselves universe at the next level, and so on forever - an infinite downward regression, universes within universes, endlessly. And upward as well. Our familiar universe of galaxies and stars, planets and people, would be a single elementary particle in the next universe up, the first step of another infinite regress.”” [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. The quote explores the idea of infinite nested universes, suggesting each particle could be a universe, creating endless regressions both up and down. **In simple terms:** Universe may contain endless layers of smaller and larger universes. Key Takeaway Consider the vastness of reality. Themes science philosophy infinity cosmology metaphysics Mood wonder humble curious Type scientific speculative When to use this quote - theoretical physics discussions - philosophical debates - science education Key Concepts multiverse theory scale hierarchy Questions to Reflect On - What does this perspective change about our place in the cosmos? - Can we ever test such ideas? A Different Perspective Concept is speculative and unproven. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Astronomy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/astronomy/) [First step](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/first-step/) [Next level](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/next-level/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Science and religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science-and-religion/) ## Related quotes > [“We are just particles of the Universe;Our true story is written upon the Stars dear... 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Within it, organized into the local equivalent of galaxies and smaller structures, are an immense number of other, much tinier elementary particles, which are themselves universe at the next level, and so on forever - an infinite downward regression, universes within universes, endlessly. And upward as well. 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