Well, for one thing, Carl understood that a species with the power to destroy the planet is one that simply can’t afford to be all “herp-a-derp” about science. As Carl’s student and protégé Bill Nye (the Science Guy) notes, having a technologically advanced military at the disposal of a scientifically illiterate society is a formula for disaster. There’s no armed force more terrifying than the National Army of Derpistan. What’s more, Carl Sagan genuinely just wanted to share, with as many of us as possible, his infectious wonder at the expanse of our universe and his appreciation for the rarity and preciousness of life on our planet (and maybe—who knows—other planets). A broader such appreciation, he believed, could only lead to a greater, more aggressive commitment to protect and cherish that life, in all of its fleeting forms. For example, Carl once said that if there is life on Mars, we should leave it alone. “Mars then belongs to the Martians,” he said, “even if the Martians are only microbes.” How amazing is that? The man advocated for the rights of imaginary Martian germs! He cared more for theoretical space bugs than I personally care for just about any of my actual coworkers. It’s a realization that leaves me awed and also makes me feel like I should apologize to my coworkers. Read more: rd/culture/seth-macfarlane-cosmos-carl-sagan/#ixzz2uQafqdUq
Posted on: Wed, 26 Feb 2014 11:48:03 +0000
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