When I was eight

When I was eight years old, I met Carl Sagan for the first time, via public television. It is no exaggeration to say that this event -- the first broadcast of his series Cosmos -- changed the course of my life, and ignited in me the wondrous fascination that he seemed to bring to any topic. His curiosity, enthusiasm and deep appreciation for the subtlety of truth inspired me, and challenged me to find these qualities within myself.

Cosmos is nearly thirty, and although the series wears its age a bit, it retains surprising power. A power which eclipses nostalgia. From the opening credits, Sagan's oft lampooned cadence, the precision of his speech and his mastery at exposition still recall those first moments of being exposed to what a vast, strange, mysterious but yet knowable universe we inhabit.

Now, thanks to the wonders of Hulu, you can experience the show for the first time or all over again. The entire series -- 13 episodes, plus epilogues recorded before Dr. Sagan's untimely death, updating the original content -- is available for viewing.



I've often hoped that I'd be able to say thanks, somehow, to this man, for the effect he had on me (and many others). At least, I hope you get a chance to experience what I did, as a second grader, nearly thirty years ago.