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About this quote

What does it mean?
Science is described as a tool primarily designed to prevent human self-deception rather than just to discover truths.
In plain terms
Science helps us avoid tricking ourselves into believing things that are not true.
What can you take from it?
Use science as a shield against self-deception.

Where it applies

  • interpreting data
  • making personal judgments
  • public policy

Putting it to work

  • check your assumptions
  • seek disconfirming evidence

Questions to consider

  • How often do you deceive yourself?
  • What tools do you use to stay honest?

Another view

Science can still be misused or misunderstood by humans.

More from Carl Sagan

  1. Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.

    Permalink to quote #82
  2. Skeptical scrutiny is the means, in both science and religion, by which deep thoughts can be winnowed from deep nonsense.

    Permalink to quote #84
  3. Our species needs, and deserves, a citizenry with minds wide awake and a basic understanding of how the world works.

    Permalink to quote #81

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