Chapter 18 Summary and Analysis

Although official history reflects that the ancient Greeks invented modern science and its methods. Sagan points out that so-called primitive peoples and earlier civilizations also made astounding discoveries—such as gunpowder, rockets, moveable type, the magnetic compass, numerical and mathematical systems and advanced calendars. Yet the skeptical method of careful observation, testing and theorizing arose in ancient Greece.

That method of discovery and analysis arose from the Greek cultural norm of discussion and debate of ideas, persuasion and rational debate enhanced with a wealthy, educated merchant class, a profound literary tradition free of ecclesiastical control for a millennium. Yet, Sagan also points out that steps toward modern science also arose in other parts of the world, which he believes demonstrates that scientific curiosity is hard-wired into our human species.

True, many people find the sciences difficult to comprehend and to...