If we long to believe that the stars rise and set for us, that we are the reason there is a Universe, does science do us a disservice in deflating our conceits?

Quote by Dr Carl Sagan

Topics: Belief Quotes, Science Quotes

... the use of our intelligence quite properly gives us pleasure. In this respect the...

... the use of our intelligence quite properly gives us pleasure. In this respect the...

Who are we? Where do we come from? Why are we this way and not...

Who are we? Where do we come from? Why are we this way and not...

Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.

Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.

Personally, I would be delighted if there were a life after death, especially if it...

Personally, I would be delighted if there were a life after death, especially if it...

For most of human history we have searched for our place in the cosmos. Who...

For most of human history we have searched for our place in the cosmos. Who...

It is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist...

It is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist...

I am often amazed at how much more capability and enthusiasm for science there is...

I am often amazed at how much more capability and enthusiasm for science there is...

Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum...

Who are we? We find that we live on an insignificant planet of a humdrum...

If we long to believe that the stars rise and set for us, that we...

If we long to believe that the stars rise and set for us, that we...

The brain is like a muscle. When it is in use we feel very good....

The brain is like a muscle. When it is in use we feel very good....

The Universe forces those who live in it to understand it. Those creatures who find...

The Universe forces those who live in it to understand it. Those creatures who find...

All of the books in the world contain no more information than is broadcast as...

All of the books in the world contain no more information than is broadcast as...

True human progress, that which can be linked to evolution, and which prolongs it, can...

True human progress, that which can be linked to evolution, and which prolongs it, can...

When Kepler found his long-cherished belief did not agree with the most precise observation, he...

When Kepler found his long-cherished belief did not agree with the most precise observation, he...

It is of interest to note that while some dolphins are reported to have learned...

It is of interest to note that while some dolphins are reported to have learned...

Knowing a great deal is not the same as being smart; intelligence is not information...

Knowing a great deal is not the same as being smart; intelligence is not information...

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.

You can't convince a believer of anything; for their belief is not based on evidence,...

You can't convince a believer of anything; for their belief is not based on evidence,...

The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing...

The thing always happens that you really believe in; and the belief in a thing...

If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known...

If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known...