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About this quote

What does it mean?
Given the vast number of stars and galaxies, assuming we are the only life forms is overly presumptuous.
In plain terms
It's unlikely we are the only living beings in the huge universe.
What can you take from it?
Stay humble about humanity's uniqueness.

Where it applies

  • discussions about extraterrestrials
  • philosophical debates

Putting it to work

  • consider scientific evidence
  • avoid anthropocentrism

Questions to consider

  • What evidence would change this view?
  • How does this affect our responsibilities?

Another view

We have no direct evidence of other life.

More from Wernher von Braun

  1. One test result is worth one thousand expert opinions.

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  2. Science does not have a moral dimension. It is like a knife. If you give it to a surgeon or a murderer, each will use it differently.

    Permalink to quote #18
  3. Man is the best computer we can put aboard a spacecraft... and the only one that can be mass-produced with unskilled labor.

    Permalink to quote #15

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