Happy Birthday Carl Sagan!

[Book Lover]

He would have been 74 today...



"I maintain there is much more wonder in science than in pseudoscience. And in addition, to whatever measure this term has any meaning, science has the additional virtue, and it is not an inconsiderable one, of being true."

"Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality."

"In science it often happens that scientists say, 'You know that's a really good argument; my position is mistaken,' and then they would actually change their minds and you never hear that old view from them again. They really do it. It doesn't happen as often as it should, because scientists are human and change is sometimes painful. But it happens every day. I cannot recall the last time someting like that happened in politics or religion."

http://www.carlsagan.com

[classof56]

1. Oh, he was awesome!

I loved Cosmos and reading his writings and most of all seeing him. A wonderful feast for the eyes, and what an intellect and fount of knowledge he was, and he articulated it in such clear and compelling terms.

He is missed! I'm guessing he'd have struggled through the last eight years and would be elated that we finally have an intelligent, thoughtful, well spoken president with intellectual curiosity and the thirst for knowledge.

Happy birthday indeed, Carl! Wish you were still with us!

[The Wielding Truth]

2. Miss him and his "billions and billions".

[kestrel91316]

3. Gone too soon. Billions and billions of us miss you, Carl!

[dougkeenan]

4. Fire one up today for Mr. X !

[pokerfan]

5. Couple of quotes and a video

If we can't think for ourselves, if we're unwilling to question authority, then we're just putty in the hands of those in power. But if the citizens are educated and form their own opinions, then those in power work for us. In every country, we should be teaching our children the scientific method and the reasons for a Bill of Rights. With it comes a certain decency, humility and community spirit. In the demon-haunted world that we inhabit by virtue of being human, this may be all that stands between us and the enveloping darkness.
-- Carl Sagan, The Demon-Haunted World

You can't convince a believer of anything; for their belief is not based on evidence, it's based on a deep seated need to believe.
-- Carl Sagan (attributed: source unknown)

Aritosthenese's only tools were sticks, eyes, feet, and brains; plus a zest for experiment. With those tools he correctly deduced the circumference of the Earth, to high precision, with an error of only a few percent. That's pretty good figuring for 2200 years ago.
-- Carl Sagan, Cosmos television series, quoted from The Carl Sagan Electronic Monument

http://www.youtube.com/v/R7n71pm0K04">The beautiful intro to the Cosmos television series. Carl Sagan talks about the universe and our place within it. (5 minutes)