Neil deGrasse Tyson Quotes

A collection of quotes by Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an acclaimed American astrophysicist and science communicator. He was born on October 5, 1958, in New York City. Raised in the Bronx, Tyson developed a passion for astronomy at a young age, frequently visiting the Hayden Planetarium in Manhattan. His enthusiasm led him to pursue a career in science.

Tyson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physics from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from Columbia University. He began his professional career as a research scientist at the University of Texas, Austin, before joining the Hayden Planetarium in 1996 as a staff scientist. Later, he became the director of the planetarium and played a significant role in revamping its exhibits and programs.

Known for his infectious enthusiasm and ability to engage with people of all ages, Tyson became a prominent science communicator. He hosted several television shows, including the popular series "NOVA scienceNOW" and the revival of Carl Sagan's iconic series "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey." In addition, Tyson has authored numerous books, including "Death by Black Hole" and "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry," making complex scientific concepts accessible to the general public.

Throughout his career, Tyson has received several prestigious awards and honors for his contributions to science education and communication. His charismatic presence and passion for educating the public about the wonders of the universe have made him one of the most recognizable figures in the field of astrophysics. N/A.

No one is dumb who is curious. The people who don't ask ques

No one is dumb who is curious. The people who don't ask questions remain clueless throughout their lives.

Neil deGrasse Tyson


There is no greater education than one that is self-driven.

There is no greater education than one that is self-driven.

Neil deGrasse Tyson


Even with all our technology and the inventions that make mo

Even with all our technology and the inventions that make modern life so much easier than it once was, it takes just one big natural disaster to wipe all that away and remind us that, here on Earth, we're still at the mercy of nature.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Life Nature Technology Mercy Earth

Where ignorance lurks, so too do the frontiers of discovery

Where ignorance lurks, so too do the frontiers of discovery and imagination

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Wisdom Life Inspirational

As a child, I was aware that, at night, infrared vision woul

As a child, I was aware that, at night, infrared vision would reveal monsters hiding in the bedroom closet only if they were warm-blooded. But everybody knows that your average bedroom monster is reptilian and cold-blooded.Tyson, Neil deGrasse; Avis Lang (2012-02-20). Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier (Kindle Locations 1880-1882). Norton. Kindle Edition.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Science Childhood Monsters In The Dark

When scientifically investigating the natural world, the onl

When scientifically investigating the natural world, the only thing worse than a blind believer is a seeing denier.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Science

While the Copernican principle comes with no guarantees that

While the Copernican principle comes with no guarantees that it will forever guide us to cosmic truths, it's worked quite well so far: not only is Earth not in the center of the solar system, but the solar system is not in the center of the Milky Way galaxy, the Milky Way galaxy is not in the center of the universe, and it may come to pass that our universe is just one of many that comprise a multiverse. And in case you're one of those people who thinks that the edge may be a special place, we are not at the edge of anything either.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Science Physics Universe

Some of the greatest poetry is revealing to the reader the b

Some of the greatest poetry is revealing to the reader the beauty in something that was so simple you had taken it for granted.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Poetry Beauty Simplicity Wonder

Humans aren't as good as we should be in our capacity to emp

Humans aren't as good as we should be in our capacity to empathize with feelings and thoughts of others, be they humans or other animals on Earth. So maybe part of our formal education should be training in empathy. Imagine how different the world would be if, in fact, that were 'reading, writing, arithmetic, empathy.'

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Education Fact Other

I would request that my body in death be buried not cremated

I would request that my body in death be buried not cremated, so that the energy content contained within it gets returned to the earth, so that flora and fauna can dine upon it, just as I have dined upon flora and fauna during my lifetime

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Death Science Earth

My view is that if your philosophy is not unsettled daily th

My view is that if your philosophy is not unsettled daily then you are blind to all the universe has to offer.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Science Philosophy Inspirational Cosmology

I am convinced that the act of thinking logically cannot pos

I am convinced that the act of thinking logically cannot possibly be natural to the human mind. If it were, then mathematics would be everybody's easiest course at school and our species would not have taken several millennia to figure out the scientific method.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Science Logic Logical Thinking

The good thing about science is that it's true whether or no

The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Science Belief True

For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more toda

For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You'd be surprised how far that gets you.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Learning Science Knowledge Philosophy Inspirational Inspiration Compassion Values

... informed ignorance provides the natural state of mind fo

... informed ignorance provides the natural state of mind for research scientists at the ever-shifting frontiers of knowledge. People who believe themselves ignorant of nothing have neither looked for, nor stumbled upon, the boundary between what is known and unknown in the cosmos.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Science Knowledge

Ignorance is a virus. Once it starts spreading, it can only

Ignorance is a virus. Once it starts spreading, it can only be cured by reason. For the sake of humanity, we must be that cure.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Science Knowledge Reason Ignorance

The more I learn about the universe, the less convinced I am

The more I learn about the universe, the less convinced I am that there's any sort of benevolent force that has anything to do with it, at all.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Religion Science Atheism

I would teach how science works as much as I would teach wha

I would teach how science works as much as I would teach what science knows. I would assert (given that essentially, everyone will learn to read) that science literacy is the most important kind of literacy they can take into the 21st century. I would undervalue grades based on knowing things and find ways to reward curiosity. In the end, it's the people who are curious who change the world.

Neil deGrasse Tyson

Science Knowledge Teaching Inspirational

I remember the day, that because that was made possible, in

I remember the day, that because that was made possible, in our minds, everything else was possible as well.

Neil deGrasse Tyson


Good education is not what fills your head with facts but wh

Good education is not what fills your head with facts but what stimulates curiosity. You then learn for the rest of your life.

Neil deGrasse Tyson