Dr. Carl Sagan

The surface of the Earth is the shore of the cosmic ocean. From it we have learned most of what read more

The surface of the Earth is the shore of the cosmic ocean. From it we have learned most of what we know. Recently, we have waded a little out to sea, enough to dampen our toes or, at most, wet our ankles. The water seems inviting. The ocean calls. So

When Kepler found his long-cherished belief did not agree with the most precise observation, he accepted the uncomfortable fact. He read more

When Kepler found his long-cherished belief did not agree with the most precise observation, he accepted the uncomfortable fact. He preferred the hard truth to his dearest illusions; that is the heart of science.

I also wish that the Pledge of Allegiance were directed at the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, as it read more

I also wish that the Pledge of Allegiance were directed at the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, as it is when the President takes his oath of office, rather than to the flag and the nation

Knowing a great deal is not the same as being smart; intelligence is not information alone but also judgment, the read more

Knowing a great deal is not the same as being smart; intelligence is not information alone but also judgment, the manner in which information is collected and used

I worry that, especially as the Millennium edges nearer, pseudo-science and superstition will seem year by year more tempting, the read more

I worry that, especially as the Millennium edges nearer, pseudo-science and superstition will seem year by year more tempting, the siren song of unreason more sonorous and attractive.