The trend lines in research and innovation look good for places such as India and China and less good for America as we go forward. So even if you're not enchanted by the prospect of cosmic discovery, the prospect of dying poor may be what it takes to understand the role of this adventure in the future of the natural world in which we live.

We're an elective democracy where science and technology will define where the economically strong countries in the world will be. And science and technological literacy is important for security, as well.

If something comes up that is completely freaky, it's spiritual-looking to the scientist, the first explanation is not going to be that it's God, because the history of that has failed. It would have to be, like, the hundredth explanation.

If factual information upsets you, then you are creating a world that is not embracing objective truths, and that's not how you advance a democracy.

Down there between our legs, it's like an entertainment complex in the middle of a sewage system. Who designed that?

God is an ever receding pocket of scientific ignorance.

You can get an Egg McMuffin all day; you just can't get the hamburger all day.