Astonishing Quote by George Wald
“Four elements, Hydrogen, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen, also provide an example of the astonishing togetherness of our universe. They make up the "organic" molecules that constitute living organisms on a planet, and the nuclei of these same elements interact to generate the light of its star. Then the organisms on the planet come to depend wholly on that starlight, as they must if life is to persist. So it is that all life on the Earth runs on sunlight. [Referring to photosynthesis]”
About This Quote
The same elements that compose stars also build life, linking cosmic processes to biology; sunlight powers life on Earth.
In simple terms: Star elements create life; sunlight fuels it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the cosmic connection of life.
Themes
cosmos
biology
energy
Mood
wonderful
inspiring
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- astronomy
- environmental science
- education
Key Concepts
photosynthesis
stellar nucleosynthesis
ecology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this perspective change our view of nature?
- What implications does this have for sustainability?
A Different Perspective
Complex chemistry can be hard to grasp.
![“Before the discovery of these [underwater] vents, all life on Earth, the key to life on Earth, was believed to be the sun and photosynthesis. But down there, there is no sun, there is no photosynthesis; it's chemosynthetic environment down there driving it, and it's all so ephemeral.” quote by Mike deGruy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f4b/mike-degruy-62137_chemistry_before-the-discovery-of-these-underwater_1280363.jpg)
![“The fact that this chain of life existed [at volcanic vents on the seafloor] in the black cold of the deep sea and was utterly independent of sunlight-previously thought to be the font of all Earth's life-has startling ramifications. If life could flourish there, nurtured by a complex chemical…” quote by Robert Ballard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/623/robert-ballard-13392_black_the-fact-that-this-chain-of-life-existed_1174978.jpg)
