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Accounts Quote by Neil deGrasse Tyson

“I [do not know] when the end of science will come. ... What I do know is that our species is dumber than we normally admit to ourselves. This limit of our mental faculties, and not necessarily of science itself, ensures to me that we have only just begun to figure out the universe.” quote by Neil deGrasse Tyson
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“I [do not know] when the end of science will come. ... What I do know is that our species is dumber than we normally admit to ourselves. This limit of our mental faculties, and not necessarily of science itself, ensures to me that we have only just begun to figure out the universe.”

Neil deGrasse Tyson

About This Quote

Source Speech: 2015 Public Lecture on Science and Humanity, 2015

He acknowledges uncertainty about science's limits while criticizing humanity's self‑deception, suggesting we are only at the beginning of understanding the cosmos.

In simple terms: Humanity underestimates its own ignorance.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humility and curiosity in scientific pursuit.

Themes

humility curiosity science limits human self‑deception

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

educational philosophical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • research funding
  • public policy
  • science communication

Key Concepts

epistemology cosmology psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we better recognize our cognitive limits?
  • What steps promote honest scientific discourse?
A Different Perspective

Overconfidence can hinder scientific progress and public trust.

2.2 out of 5 (5 ratings)

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