We have designed our civilization based on science and technology and at the same time arranged things so that almost no one understands anything at all about science and technology. This is a clear prescription for disaster.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Relying on technology without public understanding creates disaster risk.
- In plain terms
- We depend on tech but few understand it, which is dangerous.
- What can you take from it?
- Learn about technology to avoid disasters.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you understand the tech you use?
- Why do few people learn science?
Another view
Not everyone has the time to learn technical details.
More from Carl Sagan
The truth may be puzzling. It may take some work to grapple with. It may be counterintuitive. It may contradict deeply held prejudices. It may not be consonant…
Permalink to quote #3 I would love to believe that when I die I will live again, that some thinking, feeling, remembering part of me will continue. But much as I want to believe tha…
Permalink to quote #5 Humans - who enslave, castrate, experiment on, and fillet other animals - have had an understandable penchant for pretending animals do not feel pain. A sharp …
Permalink to quote #2
Related quotes
Anything you don't understand is dangerous until you do understand it.
Larry NivenLarry Niven quote #1 What is more important in a library than anything else - is the fact that it exists.
Archibald MacLeishArchibald MacLeish quote #2 I'm afraid for all those who'll have the bread snatched from their mouths by these machines. You are very fond, sir, of talking about the consideration we owe …
Henrik IbsenHenrik Ibsen quote #6