The uniqueness of humans has been claimed on many grounds, but most often because of our tool-making, culture, language, reason and morality. We have them, the other animals don't, and -- so the argument goes -- that's that.
Carl SaganThe significance of our lives and our fragile planet is then determined only by our own wisdom and courage. We are the custodians of life's meaning. We long for a Parent to care for us, to forgive us our errors, to save us from our childish mistakes. But knowledge is preferable to ignorance. Better by far to embrace the hard truth than a reassuring fable. If we crave some cosmic purpose, then let us find ourselves a worthy goal.
Carl SaganScience is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality.
Carl SaganOur species needs, and deserves, a citizenry with minds wide awake and a basic understanding of how the world works.
Carl SaganWhat an astonishing thing a book is. Itโs a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and youโre inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years. ... Books break the shackles of time. A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic.
Carl Sagan