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About this quote

What does it mean?
Sagan presents a stark binary for civilizations: they must expand into space or face extinction.
In plain terms
Civilizations either leave their home planet or die out.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize space exploration for long-term survival.

Where it applies

  • space policy
  • futurism

Putting it to work

  • support space programs
  • plan for expansion

Questions to consider

  • Where must we go to survive?
  • Is space travel optional?

Another view

Civilizations may survive by other means without becoming spacefaring.

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