Astronomy, as nothing else can do, teaches men humility.

I'm sometimes asked how I would like to be remembered. I've had a diverse career as a writer, underwater explorer, space promoter and science populariser. Of all these, I want to be remembered most as a writer - one who entertained readers, and, hopefully, stretched their imagination as well.

It was the mark of a barbarian to destroy something one could not understand.

I will not be afraid because I understand ... And understanding is happiness.

It is not easy to see how the more extreme forms of nationalism can long survive when men have seen the Earth in its true perspective as a single small globe against the stars.

It has yet to be proven that intelligence has any survival value.

The greatest tragedy in mankind's entire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion.