About

Our fragile existence on a small planet among two trillion galaxies is impossible to comprehend, but approachable by learning more deeply about our lives and limitations in a rapidly changing world. To that end, I hope to contribute a small part.

My current work includes research and illustrative writing about the development of science and technology as it impacts our communities.

Causality is a frequent theme of my work. It is often more than a multi-dimensional factor in social networks, and understood best as a dynamical process in a complex system of human interaction. (Overview PDF).

In honor of Carl Sagan, I offer his quotes and ideas, which are largely what motivates me to intervene in the world.

“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.”

“Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.”

In his 1995 book The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark, Carl Sagan describes science as a small, trembling light in a vast darkness, serving as a vital tool against superstition, pseudoscience, and ignorance.

He explains that science helps us understand the world, steering a safe course away from fear-based beliefs and describes science as “a candle in the dark“.

The Metaphor: “The candle flame flutters. Its little pool of light trembles. Darkness gathers. The demons begin to stir.” — The Demon-Haunted World.

The Purpose: Science is described as “a candle in the dark,” representing a defense against the “demons” of superstition, fear, and authoritarianism.

The Goal: Sagan emphasized that science is not just a body of knowledge, but a way of thinking essential for a functioning democracy.

The Warning: He cautioned that if we lose the ability to question, test, and understand the evidence, society becomes vulnerable to charlatans and “a celebration of ignorance”.