A scientist is just a kid who never grew up.

I would rather enlighten the electorate so that when it's time for them to put somebody in Congress, it will be self-evident that they will embrace the message and tools and discovery of science in a way that can transform our culture and even our civilization.

The world, I think, has too many late-night talk shows.

That's the point, to get the people who wouldn't otherwise think to eavesdrop on a conversation that involves science.

If you want a nation to have space exploration ambitions, you've got to send humans.

Only when you question does society move or advance at all.

The most successful scientists in the history of the world are those who posed the right questions