Russell: When you are studying any matter Or considering any philosophy Ask yourself only: what are the facts, And what is the truth that the facts bear out
Sagan: Science is more than a body of knowledge It's a way of thinking A way of skeptically interrogating the universe
If we are not able to ask skeptical questions To be skeptical of those in authority Then we're up for grabs
Shermer: In all of science we're looking for a balance Between data and theory
Harris: You don't have to delude yourself With iron age fairy tales
Porco: The same spiritual fulfillment That people find in religion Can be found in science By coming to know, if you will, the mind of god
Krauss: The real world, as it actually is, Is not evil, it's remarkable And the way to understand the physical world Is to use science
Dawkins: There is a new wave of reason Sweeping across america, britain, europe, australia South america, the middle east and africa There is a new wave of reason Where superstition had a firm hold
Plait: Teach a man to reason And he'll think for a lifetime
Sagan: Cosmology brings us face to face with the deepest mysteries With questions that were once treated only In religion and myth
The desire to be connected with the cosmos Reflects a profound reality But we are connected; not in the trivial ways That astrology promises, but in the deepest ways
Feynman: I can't believe the special stories that have been made up About our relationship to the universe at large Look at what's out there; it isn't in proportion
Russell: Never let yourself be diverted By what you wish to believe But look only and surely At what are the facts
Randi: Enjoy the fantasy, the fun, the stories But make sure that there's a clear sharp line Drawn on the floor To do otherwise is to embrace madness