The Venus transit is not a spectacle the way a total solar eclipse is a spectacle.

If there's something that someone else can do, let them do it. If I couldn't do it uniquely, let someone else do it and I would get back to the lab.

We are in the universe and the universe is in us.

Typically, when you look for role models, you want someone who has your interests and came from the same background. Well, look how restricting that is. What people should do is take role models a la carte. If there's someone whose character you appreciated, you respect that trait.

Like a snowplow in overdrive, a supernova shockwave might sweep away any gas clouds in its path.

These are two different exercises. One of them is, "You don't know and I know, so just shut up and listen," and the other one is, you're curious and you're learning, and I have a way where you can learn this so you'll know it as well. And when you know it, and know why you know it, then you don't have to reference me ever again because you take ownership of the knowledge, and you can then share it with someone else.

Next time you're stunned by a large moon on the horizon, bend over and view it between your legs. The effect goes away entirely.