Neil deGrasse Tyson

The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you.

I'm often asked if I believe in UFOs. I'm open to the possibility, but I need evidence. I need the aliens to land on the White House lawn, or at least in my backyard, and say hello.

If aliens ever visit us, I think the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out very well for the Native Americans.

I'm not a fan of the word 'nerd' because it implies that there's something wrong with being smart. I prefer 'intellectual powerhouse' or 'brainiac.'

The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.

I don't think I'm a good dancer. I'm a good mover. There's a difference.

If you are scientifically literate, the world looks very different to you, and that understanding empowers you.

I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying no one has ever seen me and Batman in the same room.

My life goal is to be a source of wonder and curiosity for others. If I can achieve that, I've done my job.

I've never been able to get into science fiction as much as I'd like, because I find that most of it breaks the laws of physics.

You know, the universe is a pretty big place. If it's just us, seems like an awful waste of space.

Imagine a world where people are judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character, and where the content of their character is measured by how much science they know.

I have no problem with God. I have a problem with people who use God to justify their own bigotry.

If you're not failing, you're not pushing your limits, and if you're not pushing your limits, you're not maximizing your potential.

I'm not saying I'm a superhero, but I do have a cape. It's called a lab coat.

I often wonder if there are aliens out there who are watching us, and they're just shaking their heads, like, 'Look at these primitive beings, still fighting over land and resources.'

The universe is a hostile place. It wants to kill you. But it's also beautiful, and it's worth fighting for.

I'm a big believer in the power of curiosity. It's what drives us to explore, to discover, to learn.

I'm not a fan of the term 'global warming.' I prefer 'global weirding,' because it's not just about things getting warmer, it's about things getting stranger.

If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.