In the Words of Neil deGrasse Tyson: The Inspiring Voice of Science

By Frank Johnson

One of the most inspirational voices in science today, Neil deGrasse Tyson is somebody with a contagious passion for his field of work. Although not as well known outside America, he is one of the few members of the scientific community who is truly able to effectively communicate complex concepts to the common man.

This book brings together some of his most interesting comments on a number of different subjects.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ben Berger
• Release date: Dec 9, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310184451

Frank Johnson

Here, the author is an anthologized poet who taught at both elementary and college levels. Now retired, he has focused on writing stories for children, which has been a lifelong interest. He has earned a BS degree from St. Paul’s College in elementary education and his MA and EdD degrees from Columbia University. When the author writes about childhood experiences, he writes with insight and passion gained from working closely with youngsters and listening to their desires and interests.

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In the Words of Neil deGrasse Tyson

The Inspiring Voice of Science

Frank Johnson

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 Frank Johnson

CONTENTS

Introduction

Himself

Science

Innovation

Kids

Astronomy & the Universe

General Thoughts & Opinions

Mankind

Philosophy

Politics

Religion

INTRODUCTION

One of the most inspirational voices in science today, Neil deGrasse Tyson is somebody with a contagious passion for his field of work. Although not as well known outside America (speaking from the point of view of an Englishman myself), he is one of the few members of the scientific community who is truly able to effectively communicate complex concepts to the common man.

Tyson’s likeable character and obvious enthusiasm for all things space-related have undoubtedly contributed largely to his success not just as an astrophysicist but also a public figure.

Although fondly claimed by the atheist community, Tyson (as you will see) does not consider himself to be an atheist. In fact, he doesn’t like labels at all, although it is clear from his own words that agnosticism would be closest to the mark.

Tyson has a lot to say on a variety of topics. What really comes across when listening to him speak is his total honesty and complete integrity.

This book brings together some of his most interesting comments on a number of different subjects.

HIMSELF

As an educator, I try to get people to be fundamentally curious and to question ideas that they might have or that are shared by others. In that state of mind, they have earned a kind of inoculation against the fuzzy thinking of these weird ideas floating around out there.

*

I'm often asked - and occasionally in an accusatory way - 'Are you atheist?' And it's like, 'You know, the only 'ist' I am is a scientist, all right?' I don't associate with movements. I'm not an 'ism.' I just - I think for myself.

*

I've been a minimalist my whole life, even if you wouldn't know it from my office.

*

"I was transformed by picking up a pair of binoculars and looking up, and that's hard to do for a city kid because when you look up you just see buildings - and really, your first thought is to look in people's windows. So to look out of the space - out of living space