I have found that when calculating what no one has calculated before, like my observing sessions on the mountain, my mental acuity peaks. Ironically, these are the times that I would flunk the reality check normally reserved for mental patients and dazed boxers: What is your name? What day is it? Who is the president of the United States?... I do not know, and I do not care. I am at peace with my equations as I connect to the cosmic engines that drive our universe.
Neil deGrasse TysonIt turns out that the history of astrophysics is where we perfected time keeping.
Neil deGrasse TysonOnly when creative people take ownership of cosmic discovery will society accept science as the cultural activity that it is.
Neil deGrasse TysonIn just one year, the expenditure of of the U.S.'s military budget is equivalent to the entire 50-year running budget of NASA combined.
Neil deGrasse TysonImagine a life-form whose brainpower is to ours as ours is to a chimpanzeeโs. To such a species, our highest mental achievements would be trivial. Their toddlers, instead of learning their ABCs on Sesame Street, would learn multivariable calculus on Boolean Boulevard. Our most complex theorems, our deepest philosophies, the cherished works of our most creative artists, would be projects their schoolkids bring home for Mom and Dad to display on the refrigerator door.
Neil deGrasse Tyson