"If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe."
Cosmos: A Personal Voyage - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
The Cosmos is all that is or ever was or ever will be.
— Carl Sagan
Context:
This is the very first sentence of the series, spoken by Sagan in Episode 1, "The Shores of the Cosmic Ocean," as he stands on a cliff overlooking the sea.
Meaning:
This opening line establishes the series' immense scope and its quasi-spiritual reverence for the universe. It sets the tone for a journey that treats the material universe with the awe typically reserved for the divine, framing science as a profound way of contemplating existence.
We are made of star-stuff.
— Carl Sagan
Context:
Sagan uses this phrase and variations of it throughout the series, notably when discussing the life cycle of stars and the chemical basis of life, such as in Episode 9, "The Lives of the Stars." It is one of the central philosophical takeaways of the show.
Meaning:
This iconic quote elegantly summarizes the profound connection between human life and the cosmos. It explains that the chemical elements essential for life—the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and others—were forged in the interiors of stars that lived and died long ago. It is a declaration of our cosmic origin.
Exploration is in our nature. We began as wanderers, and we are wanderers still. We have lingered long enough on the shores of the cosmic ocean. We are ready at last to set sail for the stars.
— Carl Sagan
Context:
This statement appears in the book version and captures the spirit of the final episodes, particularly Episode 13, "Who Speaks for Earth?," which implores humanity to overcome its terrestrial conflicts and venture into the cosmos.
Meaning:
This quote serves as a powerful call to action, framing space exploration not as a mere technical challenge but as the continuation of a fundamental human impulse. It conveys a sense of optimism and destiny, urging humanity to embrace its future as a spacefaring species.
If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.
— Carl Sagan
Context:
This quote is from the companion book "Cosmos" and is famously associated with the series. It exemplifies Sagan's ability to connect mundane objects to grand cosmic principles, making complex ideas relatable.
Meaning:
This whimsical but profound statement illustrates the interconnectedness of everything. It shows that even a simple, everyday act is dependent on the entire history of cosmic evolution—the creation of elements in stars, the formation of planets, the evolution of life—all governed by the fundamental laws of physics.