For Small Creatures Such As We | Sasha Sagan | Talks at Google

TL;DR

Sasha Sagan discusses her book, which explores how secular humanism can find meaning, rituals, and a sense of community in a scientific worldview.

Transcript

SASHA SAGAN: I'm so happy to be here. The title of my book is "For Small Creatures Such as We-- Rituals for Finding Meaning in our Unlikely World." And the first part of the title comes from a line in the novel "Contact," which is the only work of fiction that my dad ever published. My dad was the astronomer and educator Carl Sagan. And he and my m... Read More

Key Insights

• 🪡 Sagan emphasizes the need for secular humanism to incorporate cultural elements, such as holidays, recipes, and rituals, in order to provide a more robust framework for understanding and meaning.
• 🥳 She explores how the changing seasons and biological processes have historically given humans a sense of wonder and provided the basis for celebrations and rituals across cultures.
• 🛟 Sagan highlights the importance of tolerance for ambiguity in both science and life and the value of honoring traditions while still adapting them to reflect personal values and beliefs.
• 🧑 She discusses the impact of technology on spirituality and the need for in-person interactions to build a sense of community and connection.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired the title of Sasha Sagan's book, and who coined the phrase?

The title, "For Small Creatures Such as We," comes from a line in the novel "Contact," co-written by Sasha's parents, Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan. It was her mother, Ann, who coined the phrase, which encapsulates the philosophy of finding meaning through love and connection.

Q: How does Sagan define spirituality in a secular context, and what role did science play in her upbringing?

Sagan grew up in a secular household where science was the pathway to understanding. She defines spirituality as a feeling that arises when we have a deep understanding of our place in the universe and our interconnectedness. Science, for her, provided a profound and beautiful lens through which to view the world.

Q: How does Sagan incorporate her Jewish heritage into her secular rituals, and why does she find it meaningful?

Sagan still honors Jewish traditions in a secular way, celebrating holidays such as Hanukkah and observing rituals like lighting the yahrzeit candle. She finds value in connecting with traditions passed down by her ancestors, even if their theological beliefs do not align with her own.

Q: Has Sagan considered the role of modern pagan and polytheistic traditions in providing a sense of spirituality and community outside of mainstream religions?

Sagan acknowledges the overlap between secular rituals and modern pagan and polytheistic traditions. While there are differences in language and belief systems, she recognizes the potential for these traditions to fulfill a similar need for spirituality and community in a non-religious context.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Sagan shares the background of her book, which draws inspiration from her parents, Carl Sagan and Ann Druyan, and their collaboration on the novel "Contact."

• She discusses how her parents instilled in her the idea that love and connection with others is what gives life emotional fulfillment and helps combat existential crises.

• Sagan explores the need for secular humanism to incorporate cultural elements, such as holidays, recipes, and rituals, as well as a framework for dealing with grief and loss.