07-09-2015, 04:42 PM
Good read. I will take an inclusive, unified, inquisitive view over an exclusive, hereditary privileged, dogmatic mindset any day.
My only complaint (a gentle one), I just wish Mr. Montgomerie didn't feel the need to explain or qualify the value of his opinion in regard to birthplace or, though somewhat indirectly, hereditary background.
Quotes from above Civil Beat article I find notable:
Carl Sagan -
"Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the universe, are challenged by this point of pale light."
William Montgomerie -
"In my opinion, the reason is traced back to a quintessential spirit of exploration, seemingly ingrained in humankind since the beginning of our existence."
"But the knowledge and understanding that we gain from astronomy have taught us something very important — that there is always a bigger picture."
"...there is plenty of support for the notion that exploration of the universe can directly benefit how we understand and care for ourselves and this pale blue planet."
My only complaint (a gentle one), I just wish Mr. Montgomerie didn't feel the need to explain or qualify the value of his opinion in regard to birthplace or, though somewhat indirectly, hereditary background.
Quotes from above Civil Beat article I find notable:
Carl Sagan -
"Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the universe, are challenged by this point of pale light."
William Montgomerie -
"In my opinion, the reason is traced back to a quintessential spirit of exploration, seemingly ingrained in humankind since the beginning of our existence."
"But the knowledge and understanding that we gain from astronomy have taught us something very important — that there is always a bigger picture."
"...there is plenty of support for the notion that exploration of the universe can directly benefit how we understand and care for ourselves and this pale blue planet."