Watch video: Anand Mahindra shares Carl Sagan's timeless wisdom on nurturing curiosity

In the 1977 interview on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Carl Sagan stated the significance of encouraging children to inquire about the universe. He asserted that curiosity serves as the foundation of an innovative and forward-thinking society.

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Satyam Singh
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Courtesy: X

Anand Mahindra, the prominent business leader, has recently sparked a conversation by sharing a vintage clip on the social media platform X. The clip features Carl Sagan, a renowned astronomer and science communicator, discussing the importance of nurturing curiosity in children. Mahindra expressed that Sagan's message, though from decades ago, remains profoundly relevant today and holds the key to unlocking the potential of future generations.

In the 1977 interview on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Carl Sagan stated the significance of encouraging children to inquire about the universe. He asserted that curiosity serves as the foundation of an innovative and forward-thinking society.

What has Johnny Carson said about curiosity of children?

Sagan's message in the video is straightforward: we must pay attention to and encourage the questions posed by children, regardless of how seemingly trivial they may appear. By fostering curiosity, we pave the way for a society filled with individuals who approach life with open minds and hearts.

In response to addressing a child's query such as 'Why is the sky blue?', Sagan remarked, "That's a good question Johnny, nobody knows. Maybe when you grow up you will be able to find out."

Furthermore, he added, "I think kids are discouraged from asking those questions and wind up learning the lesson that there is something bad in using the mind."

Mahindra wrote in the caption, "Carl Sagan on how to answer a child’s questions. Old video and it may seem trivial, but it’s of profound importance. At the root of an innovative society is the encouragement of children to question things."

Mahindra's post not only honors Carl Sagan's enduring wisdom but also urges to act upon it. 

Netizens express gratitude 

Fan reactions to Mahindra's post echoed similar sentiments. One fan expressed gratitude for the enlightening perspective on encouraging curiosity in children, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation and critical thinking. Another fan highlighted the importance of choosing books over phones to nurture creativity in children, while others emphasized the need for critical thinking to innovate solutions beneficial to humanity.