Cosmos
by Carl Sagan
"Cosmos" by Carl Sagan explores the origins and development of the universe, life, and human civilization, weaving together science, philosophy, and history. Sagan emphasizes the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of scientific understanding in our quest for knowledge. The book invites readers to appreciate the vastness of the cosmos and our place within it.
25 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from Cosmos, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.
Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality.
The universe is a pretty big place. If it’s just us, seems like an awful waste of space.
Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.
We are a way for the cosmos to know itself.
If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.
The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena.
The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.
In some respects, science has advanced more in the last century than in the previous two thousand years.
We are not only figuratively but literally stardust.
The cosmos is all that is, or ever was, or ever will be.
We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the universe to know itself.
The brain is like a muscle. When it is in use, we feel very good. It is when it is used that we feel the best.
Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go nowhere.
Science is more than a body of knowledge. It's a way of thinking.
The universe is a pretty big place. If it's just us, seems like an awful waste of space.
We are the custodians of the future, and we must ensure that we leave behind a world that is better than the one we inherited.
For small creatures such as we, the vastness is bearable only through love.
In some respects, science has improved our lives. In others, it has made us more aware of our ignorance.
The cosmos is all that is or ever was or ever will be.
The universe is not required to be in perfect harmony with human ambition.
In some respects, science has advanced more in the last hundred years than in the previous thousand.
The brain is like a record player; it can only play back what has been recorded.
There are worlds within worlds, and worlds beyond worlds.
The important thing is not to stop questioning.