Posted on by Nancy Atkinson

Remembering Carl Sagan

Today would have been Carl Sagan’s 78th birthday, and the past few years November 9th, the anniversary of his birth, has been designated as “Carl Sagan Day” by people who appreciate Sagan’s influence — not only on science, but also the public’s understanding of it. Sagan passed away 16 years ago, but his words and inspiration live on for many of us through his books and recordings.

Sagan was a co-founder of The Planetary Society, and this evening (Friday, Nov. 9, 2012) at 7 pm PST TPS will be webcasting a live event to commemorate Sagan’s life and influence. Click here for the webcast link, as well as additional information.

Below is part one of a 3 part series of Sagan’s final interview with Charlie Rose on May 27, 1996. He discussed science, pseudo-science, religion, and his struggle with the disease that ultimately ended his life, myelodysplasia.

If you have a favorite Sagan quote or memory, feel free to share it in the comments.

13 Replies to “Remembering Carl Sagan”

  1. “I would love to believe that when I die I will live again, that some thinking, feeling, remembering part of me will continue. But as much as I want to believe that, and despite the ancient and worldwide cultural traditions that assert an afterlife, I know of nothing to suggest that it is more than wishful thinking.” – Carl Sagan.

  2. “I believe our future depends powerfully on how well we understand this
    Cosmos in which we float like a mote of dust in the morning sky.”
    – Carl Sagan

    I agree with Carl, and I think that the best way for us to understand the Cosmos collectively is to get as many people involved in space exploration as possible. What do you think the best way to do that would be?

    Adam Brinckerhoff
    Development Engineer
    SpaceUnited

    1. “…the best way to do that…” I think the best way to get people involved in space exploration would be to re-emphasize the historical benefits gained by explorers who took risks and accepted the challenges presented to them while traveling into the unknown…

      “Life is a journey, not a destination.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

      “The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same.
      Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.” – Don Williams Jr.

      “Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.” – Greg Anderson

      “Let your mind start a journey thru a strange new world. Leave all thoughts
      of the world you knew before. Let your soul take you where you long to
      be…Close your eyes let your spirit start to soar, and you’ll live as
      you’ve never lived before.” – Erick Fromm

      “To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping” – A Chinese proverb

      “It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end” – Ursala K LeQuin

  3. “Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that in glory and triumph they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot.”

  6. On inexpensive paperback books: “For the price of a modest meal you get the history of Rome.” Dr. Carl Sagan in the Cosmos TV series.

  8. Every time I read, watch or listen to Carl Sagan I am filled with renewed hope for humanity and a deeper wonder about this universe

  10. Taking our attention to space, Carl Sagan, helped us
    discover the importance of the Earth we live in…

  11. It’s good to know that he was in Boston holding that picture up. That building and that perspective is right off of cambridge st. on the plaza facing the boston city hall.

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