Cosmos (Carl Sagan)
It’s hard to describe the impact of one of the most amazing set of DVDs that I have ever watched. One in fact, when I went to IMDB.com, I actually realized that it had probably the highest rating of any of the DVDs I have ever watched. In fact, it was based on many people’s ratings too. It had a rating of over 9 – very amazing.
The Cosmos Series was made by Carl Sagan. He was the host of the show. It was actually originally broadcast on public television in 1980. However, the DVD came out in 2000. I was very fortunate to be able to watch all the episodes of it because it was available at my public library.
I watched this series in the summer of 2005 as I was writing my graduate thesis. This was one of the first DVD series that I watched after one of my friends inspired me to watch DVDs. After this set of DVDs, I watched many more interesting DVDs.
The reason that this set of DVDs was so amazing was that it integrated both history, astronomy and other aspects of science into a coherent whole. It did not feel dated at all even though I was watching it 25 years after it was first produced. I finally understood where we humans stood in the history of the universe. It was a powerful revelation. I understood finally where we were that moment in history stood.
Previously, I never really understood our place in history. However, this series really made me understand how my role was intertwined with that of others, and what type of impact I could have on society. Previously, I felt so small and so useless. However, after watching this understood that I, too, could contribute to the world. Other people were not better than I was.
There were many amazing episodes. Each episode brought out some amazing themes and ideas. One of the most amazing of those ideas is that science could bring new ideas and new knowledge. With time, and blocks, we could attain a new knowledge and improve the world in which we live.
I also understood that even though 1980 was a time when astronomy was very popular, and what some of the information that Carl Sagan gave at that time may have been common knowledge to many people, it was actually good to actually note it down as Carl Sagan did. That is because for the next two decades or so, astronomy was relegated to the waste bins. It was actually good to summarize the powerful knowledge that people had gained up to that time in one series. Similarly, it is good for people to summarize the knowledge that they have at any time or in other subjects; even though it may seem like common knowledge, a lot of that seemingly common knowledge does get lost through time.
Dr. Sagan passed away in 1996. However, I and many other people will always be very grateful to him for the knowledge and the understanding about the universe, life, philosophy, and history that he imparted to us. It is a classic series. You can find more information or order from Amazon by clicking here.