The quote “Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known” is widely misattributed to astronomer Carl Sagan but was actually written by journalist Sharon Begley.
It appeared in a 1977 Newsweek article titled “Seeking Other Worlds,” which discussed Sagan’s views on the search for extraterrestrial life. Begley captured the essence of Sagan’s ideas, leading to the widespread assumption that the quote belonged to him.
Why The Misattribution Happened
Inspirational Sentiment
The quote resonates deeply with people because it reflects a sense of wonder and optimism about scientific discovery. Sagan’s fans, inspired by his passion for exploring the universe, found the quote aligned with his themes, making the misattribution plausible.
Alignment With Sagan’s Legacy
Though Sagan never said these exact words, the quote fits perfectly with his philosophy of curiosity and exploration. This close connection to his ideas made it easy for people to believe the quote came from him.
Lack Of Source Verification
Before the internet, fact-checking was more difficult, and without a clear source, the quote spread easily under Sagan’s name. It became accepted as his saying simply because no one questioned its origin.
Repetition And Popularity
As the quote gained popularity, particularly online, its association with Sagan became firmly rooted. The more it was shared, the more credible the attribution seemed.
Endorsement By Public Figures
Public figures, like NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, have used the quote in speeches, further embedding it into the public consciousness as something Sagan might have said.
Credit to Sharon Begley: Although the quote fits Sagan’s ideals, it’s important to give proper credit to Sharon Begley, the true author of this inspiring statement.
Thought Of The Day: Friday, September 20, 2024:
“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”― Sharon Begley