Scientist, educator, philosopher, writer. Carl Sagan’s life and work continue to inspire us.

Having a hard day? Finding it difficult to get words on the page? Here are five quotes from Carl Sagan that will brighten any writer’s day.

Sitting in a room and making stuff up? It’s your job. Your imagination is taking you places!

…and the reality is, you’ve got to get some chapters written.

I love how Carl lapses into second-person here. As if maybe he, himself, isn’t quite human? But he’s captured the essential nature of humans: we need to live together, and we need the stories that teach us how.

You have an obligation to future generations. Start working that magic!

So let’s go discover it in a book.

About the author: Alex Kourvo is a freelance editor who is passionate about helping new writers.