Last I checked, Bill Gates was worth $50 billion. If the average employed adult, who is walking in a hurry, will pick up a quarter from the sidewalk, but not a dime, then the corresponding amount of money given their relative wealth that Bill Gates would ignore if he saw it lying on the street is $25,000.
Neil deGrasse TysonAny astrophysicist does not feel small looking up at the universe; we feel large.
Neil deGrasse TysonThere was a transition going on - Baghdad being the intellectual capital of the world where major advances were made in agriculture and mathematics and engineering and medicine and astronomy, and then that all sort of collapsed. And I was trying to understand how such a intellectually fertile environment can lose its compass bearing. Because I think about the creative centers today - countries, or even regions. Will Silicon Valley always be as innovative? Will the United States be innovative, or will we become complacent?
Neil deGrasse TysonPassion is what gets you through the hardest times that might otherwise make strong men weak, or make you give up.
Neil deGrasse TysonNext time you're stunned by a large moon on the horizon, bend over and view it between your legs. The effect goes away entirely.
Neil deGrasse TysonThe depth of experience fine wine can bring to a dinner, particularly a bottle that has been through the past 100 years, makes you take stock of your own life.
Neil deGrasse TysonCuriosity is unknown. All adults were once kids and once curious, but as adults you don't remember that and you see curiosity when it's expressed in children as a pathway to household disaster. They're simply exploring their environment, manifesting their curiosity. So what you need to do is create an environment where curiosity is rewarded rather than punished, or thwarted.
Neil deGrasse Tyson