Saganism Philosophy
Saganism is a form of Scientism which looks to the late scientist and presenter Carl Sagan as the apotheosis of how popular science should be regarded and presented. Sagan managed not only to make science interesting and fun, but he also was an impressive multi-disciplinarian who showed that Science is more than just an experimental method, it can be a way of looking at the world. His books contained profound elements of philosophy, psychology and cultural criticism. In a world in which populations are becoming less and less respectful of science, Saganism is a method that would help to reverse this pernicious and regressive trend.
Saganism History
Sagan claimed that his character, a unique hybrid of skepticism and wonder, was inspired by his parents, each of whom represented one of those poles. Scientists had always engaged in wonder and passion in their discoveries, but lacking fluency, the general public was not privy to this aspect of it. Sagan not only helped show the layman what wonders were inherent in scientific research and understanding, but he had the rare gift to make scientific ideas intelligible to the masses. In a way, he acted like a high priest of science, interpreting the complexities in the way ministers do with religion. His legacy endures in the form of popular science books, scientific documentaries, and television programs by successors like Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Bill Nye.
Saganism Practice
Saganists endeavor to marry the humanism of philosophy with the pragmatic empiricism of science. In studying, writing, and discussing broadly, taking direction from science, literature, philosophy, religion, history and other disciplines, they help unite the disciplines and provide avenues for greater understanding.
Saganisms
We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, in which hardly anyone knows anything about science and technology.
— Carl Sagan
The brain is like a muscle. When it is in use we feel very good. Understanding is joyous.
— Carl Sagan
For me, it is far better to grasp the Universe as it really is than to persist in delusion, however satisfying and reassuring.
— Carl Sagan
The dangers of not thinking clearly are much greater now than ever before. It’s not that there’s something new in our way of thinking – it’s that credulous and confused thinking can be much more lethal in ways it was never before.
— Carl Sagan
‘Spirit’ comes from the Latin word ‘to breathe’. What we breathe is air, which is certainly matter, however thin. Despite usage to the contrary, there is no necessary implication in the word ‘spiritual’ that we are talking of anything other than matter (including the matter of which the brain is made), or anything outside the realm of science. On occasion, I will feel free to use the word. Science is not only compatible with spirituality; it is a profound source of spirituality. When we recognize our place in an immensity of light-years and in the passage of ages, when we grasp the intricacy, beauty, and subtlety of life, then that soaring feeling, that sense of elation and humility combined, is surely spiritual.
— Carl Sagan
Saganism Links
Sounds of Earth – A song about Sagan and his wife Ann Druyan
Saganism Community
Get ordained as a Saganist Minister