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Carl Sagan was good at explaining scientific subjects in a way that evoked that feeling of awe that i get when i look at the stars. The same feeling, i'm sure, that a religious person gets when they think about the afterlife. This ability to appeal to a feeling of spirituality seems inclusive, somehow. It seems to show a path to togetherness and belonging that atheism is criticized for lacking.

We need more Carl Sagans.

If you enjoy the videos below, i also recommend "The Cosmos", from which some of this content has originated.







Consider again, the pale blue dot. A followup.

http://www.wimp.com/consideragain/

Nova, on PBS is somewhat of a modern descendant, featuring Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Michio Kaku.

I wholeheartedly agree. I have read every mainstream book that Sagan wrote and have watched the Cosmos several times. His ideas and presentation did very much lead one to a sense of awe at the wonders of nature and the universe.

I would also add that many of his writings contained insightful philosophies regarding that nature of science, reason, faith , etc. Fans of Richard Dawkins's 'The God Delusion" might want to give Sagan's "The Demon - Haunted World" a try. He explores similar issues and reaches similar conclusions, but what in my opinion is a more eloquent argument.

Emperorbjt wrote: I would also add that many of his writings contained insightful philosophies regarding that nature of science, reason, faith , etc. Fans of Richard Dawkins's 'The God Delusion" might want to give Sagan's "The Demon - Haunted World" a try. He explores similar issues and reaches similar conclusions, but what in my opinion is a more eloquent argument.

I second that opinion. Sagan gets to the same place without all the gnashing of teeth.

I have in the past as well Robert. I used to sit around with a notepad when I was high. Most ideas are wacky, but some are gems. They have to be edited when sober though. I haven't done that in over a decade, as a disclaimer.

Never done any drugs at all, personally, but i don't demonize weed the way we are told we should.

Marijuana is a lot less dangerous than alcohol.

Neil DeGrasse Tyson speaks on this issue i addressed earlier in the thread. That feeling of wonder i get thinking about the universe may just share gray matter with the believer who feels exalted when contemplating god.

There is a feeling of awe that is usually called spirituality that a good understanding of our place in the universe can illicit. A feeling that has bound people together under many banners throughout history.

Science can do that too, if we can reach people.

http://www.wimp.com/bestsermon/

"I stepped out of a supernova. And so did you."

http://www.wimp.com/comprehenduniverse/

http://www.wimp.com/unofficialnasa/

Carl Sagan, slinging the verbage.

Carl Sagan,

Life looks for life.

http://www.wimp.com/lifelooks/