Quotes from Nigel Calder

But, when tales of the cosmos are told, this period of ours may always be recalled as that in which men first came to realise what a violent universe we inhabit.

The natural pattern of current astronomy is provided by the cryptic unity of nature itself (belief in which is the chief act of faith of the scientist).

Governments are trying to achieve unanimity by stifling any scientist who disagrees. Einstein could not have got funding under the present system.

second tube. The fuel will continue to flow freely. FIGURE 3-9. A way to siphon fuel without getting a mouthful! (Fritz Seegers)

Like human memory, the surface of our planet distorts the record, emphasising more recent events and letting the rest pass into vagueness - or at least into unimpressive joints in worn down mountain chains.

The big discoveries raise questions that make astronomers work feverishly and argue with an agitation that verges on rudeness.