A few months back, I found myself watching Cosmos (the PBS series on science & astronomy by Carl Sagan) again. Produced in 1980, Cosmos was the most watched public television program in America for a decade. It's still surprisingly relevant. Particularly as a general introduction to science. This was early summer, so in between freaking out that Obama had won the nomination and writing furiously about how McCain was a putz, I had the thought that it might be fun to write a diary about why Sagan was/is such a large part of my world view (also known as a doctrine, depending on who you ask). I also found out his birthday (were he still alive) is today. I figured that, being a few days after the election, we'd all be needing either some serious inspiration or be celebrating our asses off. Either way, it seemed like a good time to write something not related closely to the election.
While this is largely an excercise in entertainment for me, if you're interested in reading about why Carl Sagan is a personal hero of some anonymous stranger on Daily Kos, by all means, join me...
Carl Sagan developed a gift and passion for science early, receiving his Ph.D in astro physics by age 26. Exceptionally eloquent, he had a knack for being able to condense difficult concepts into easily understood words and illustrations. He also had a world perspective much larger than the vast majority of us. Whereas I am generally focused on my life and the immediacies in front of me, Sagan constantly seemed like he was writing or speaking from the perspective of an astronaut, miles above the Earth. Looking at our existence on a much grander scale than any of us down here on the ground were capable of. He is a large reason for why I am an athiest. He was a strong proponent of green technology, warning us of global warming long before it had reached the point we find ourselves at now. His work with the Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA was indispensable - he briefed astronauts on their way to the moon and developed experiments for the Voyager spacecraft as well as others. On Voyager, he was largely responsible for the Voyager Golden Record. He was also a great American patriot and promoter of the virtues of democracy as well as a liberal(he once quipped "What, exactly, are conservatives conserving?"). Perhaps most importantly, he called for balancing curiosity and openness to new ideas, with the most withering scientific skepticism and also promoted the need for basic scientific education. Let's explore some of these traits more closely...
A large part of Sagans success came from his ability to relay his thoughts to others in a clear (and often poetic) way. Exhibit A: Witness Carl Sagan hilariously explaining the 4th dimension using the idea of "Flatland":
I laugh everytime he does the voice of the apple. Or how about an explanation of the Drake Equation, used to approximate an idea of the possible number of space-faring civilizations in our galaxy:
Whatever the subject, Sagan's enthusiasm translated into complex ideas being easily grasped by his audience.
Let's side-step into religion for a moment. I was raised pseudo-Christian. Went to church on major holidays and attended regular services for maybe 2 years in high school. At some point, my parents became raging liberal athiests and the church going stopped. However, I was encouraged to learn and form my own opinions about God and religion. So I did. A large part of my learning came from Sagan. Key for me was the notion that atheism isn't, in any way, depressing. Indeed, as stated below, there is enough joy and discovery in nature to last a lifetime:
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 that, and despite the ancient and worldwide cultural traditions that assert an afterlife, I know of nothing to suggest that it is more than wishful thinking.
The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there's little good evidence. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides.
Once I realized he was simply applying scientific skepticism to religion, belief systems based on an omnipotent and omniscient God simply seemed rather laughable. Our fervent opposition to others because they believe in a slightly different God (or no God at all) just seemed pointless. Dr. Sagan's monologue on the picture of Earth as a tiny Pale Blue Dot has reinforced this perspective over the years:
Sagan also spoke a lot about treating other people with respect for their differences. I think these last 8 years of Bush and the nearly 2 years of Obama's now successful (WOO-HOO!) run for President would have appalled and inspired him, respectively. He recognized the role the scientific method plays in a functioning democracy, stating that
..that kind of skeptical questioning, don't accept what authority tells you - attitude of science - is also nearly identical to the attitude of mind necessary for a functioning democracy. Science and democracy have very consonant values and approaches, and I don't think you can have one without the other.
* Talk of the Nation, 3 May 1996
Going further, Sagan also realized the link between a strong foundational education and the protection of our human rights by stating:
Education on the value of free speech and the other freedoms reserved by the Bill of Rights, about what happens when you don't have them, and about how to exercise and protect them, should be an essential prerequisite for being an American citizen — or indeed a citizen of any nation, the more so to the degree that such rights remain unprotected. If we can't think for ourselves, if we're unwilling to question authority, then we're just putty in the hands of those in power. But if the citizens are educated and form their own opinions, then those in power work for us. In every country, we should be teaching our children the scientific method and the reasons for a Bill of Rights. With it comes a certain decency, humility and community spirit. In the demon-haunted world that we inhabit by virtue of being human, this may be all that stands between us and the enveloping darkness.
* The Demon Haunted World, Chapter 25 "Real Patriots Ask Questions"
This is an idea that I think, going forward, will be absolutely crucial to maintaining the ability to improve and sustain America and our ideals. A basic understanding of our rights and the scientific method endows us with respect for others and the knowledge that we all should have access to the American Dream. It also provides us with the basic tools needed to fight misinformation and injustice as well as helping protect against those who seek to deceive us, stating 13 years ago that
...as the Millennium edges nearer, pseudo-science and superstition will seem year by year more tempting, the siren song of unreason more sonorous and attractive. Where have we heard it before? Whenever our ethnic or national prejudices are aroused, in times of scarcity, during challenges to national self-esteem or nerve, when we agonize about our diminished cosmic place and purpose, or when fanaticism is bubbling up around us-then, habits of thought familiar from ages past reach for the controls. The candle flame gutters. Its little pool of light trembles. Darkness gathers. The demons begin to stir.
* The Demon Haunted World, Chapter 2, "Science and Hope"
I wish Carl Sagan could have been witness to these times, when so many of us are so determined to begin the journey of taking our country back from the brink, building it up again and making it better than it ever was before. I would imagine Obama's victory on Tuesday would have been an excellent birthday present. Happy Birthday, Dr. Sagan.