Humans — who enslave, castrate, experiment on, and fillet other animals — have had an understandable penchant for pretending animals do not feel pain. A sharp distinction between humans and 'animals' is essential if we are to bend them to our will, make them work for us, wear them, eat them — without any disquieting tinges of guilt or regret. It is unseemly of us, who often behave so unfeelingly toward other animals, to contend that only humans can suffer. The behavior of other animals renders such pretensions specious. They are just too much like us.
Carl SaganMots clés compassion animals vegetarian suffer behavior
The truth may be puzzling. It may take some work to grapple with. It may be counterintuitive. It may contradict deeply held prejudices. It may not be consonant with what we desperately want to be true. But our preferences do not determine what's true. We have a method, and that method helps us to reach not absolute truth, only asymptotic approaches to the truth — never there, just closer and closer, always finding vast new oceans of undiscovered possibilities. Cleverly designed experiments are the key.
Carl SaganMots clés issue-1 january-february-1995 skeptical-enquirer-volume-19 wonder-and-skepticism
...that kind of skeptical questioning, don't accept what authority tells you -attitude of science- is also nearly identical to the attitude of mind necessary for a functioning democracy. Science and democracy have very consonant values and approaches, and I don't think you can have one without the other.
Carl SaganMots clés 3-may-1996 talk-of-the-nation
The illegality of cannabis is outrageous, an impediment to full utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight, sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this increasingly mad and dangerous world.
Carl SaganMots clés law marijuana cannabis dangerous-world legalize marijuana-reconsidered
The universe is a pretty big place. If it's just us, seems like an awful waste of space.
Carl SaganMots clés optimism universe seti
You are worth about 3 dollars worth in chemicals.
Carl SaganYour religion assumes that people are children and need a boogeyman so they'll behave. You want people to believe in God so they'll obey the law. That's the only means that occurs to you: a strict secular police force, and the threat of punishment by an all-seeing God for whatever the police overlook. You sell human beings short.
Carl SaganSo those who wished for some central cosmic purpose for us, or at least our world, or at least our solar system, or at least our galaxy, have been disappointed, progressively disappointed. The universe is not responsive to our ambitious expectations.
Carl SaganMots clés science truth humans
Extinction is the rule. Survival is the exception.
Carl SaganMots clés science evolution survival extinction
I think the discomfort that some people feel in going to the monkey cages at the zoo is a warning sign.
Carl SaganMots clés science truth evolution zoo monkey
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