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John Smith

Professor Williams

American Studies 104

14 March 2008

universe opened up to him. Another strong motivator into science came with

his reading of a popular science fiction book of the time,The Burroughs

Tales. The stories were not extremely sound scientifically, but still

presented ideals of adventure and the unknown. The idea that life could

exist elsewhere in the universe fascinated Sagan and remained with him for

the rest of his life (Eicher).

Perhaps one of Sagan’s most famous individual accomplishments

was his involvement with the Pioneer 10 Space Probe. The probe was created

to be the first object to exit our galaxy. Sagan acknowledged that the chances

of anything actually discovering the probe were astronomical, but believed

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science as attainable was what made him such a sensational figure. The

greatest example of this was his Cosmos Series. In this thirteen part television

series Sagan presented and explained a large variety of scientific topics ranging

position in the universe (Carl Sagan - Pale Blue Dot). This is one of the most

widely known works by Sagan and many believe it to be his greatest work.

Along with this interest and promotion of science, Sagan also tried to

push people away from pseudo science. His work in exobiology made it

inevitable that he would eventually have to address the growing belief in

UFOs that was so prevalent in the 60s era. Sagan investigated and

acknowledged extraordinary claims but remained extremely skeptical in his

approach. He believed that investigating and disproving popular paranormal

claims would raise scientific awareness (Morrison, Sagan 30).

Sagan was a strong proponent of ending the arms race. This may have

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Some of Sagan’s ideas were not as publicly displayed. In 1971 Sagan

published an essay considering the use of marijuana under the pseudonym of

Mr. X. He had had experience with the drug, and claimed that it had provided

utilization of a drug which helps produce the serenity and insight,

sensitivity and fellowship so desperately needed in this

increasingly mad and dangerous world (Sagan).

All of these ideas and opinions together constitute a consistent

message. Sagan was an example of what a scientist and intellectual should

be. He was a rational, skeptical and curious individual whose voice is severely

underrepresented in all aspects of culture and life today. His work in promoting

scientific literacy has had lasting affects and contributed greatly to the collective

human knowledge. He will be remembered as an intelligent and thoughtful

scientist and human being.

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Works Cited

Adler, Jerry. “Unbeliever’s Quest.” Newsweek 31 Mar 1997:

64-66. Print.

Drake, Frank. Personal interview. 5 Mar 2009.

Eicher, Dave. "CARL SAGAN, 1934-1996." Astronomy 25.3 (1997): 28.

(2007):49-51. Academic Search Premier. Web. 13 Mar 2009.

Morrison, David "Carl Sagan’s Life and Legacy as Scientist, Teacher,

and Skeptic." Skeptical Inquirer. January-February 2009. Web.

7 Mar 2009. <//www.csicop.org/si/2007-01/sagan.html>.

Morrison, David. "Sagan and Skepticism." Skeptic 7.1 (1999): 29-31.

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