Stanford's 1993 Bunyan Lecture — a witty examination of human civilization viewed from a cosmic perspective.
Summary
Carl Sagan argues that science repeatedly demotes human centrality, then uses Galileo spacecraft data to show Earth’s atmospheric chemistry, vegetation, cities, and radio leakage are detectable signs of life. He contrasts this with environmental damage, ending with a call for planetary responsibility and humility, while answering audience questions on extraterrestrials, religion, and public policy.
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