Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization

Tyson divides truth into three categories: objective, personal, and political truths. Objective truths are universal, and they are discovered through the rigorous scientific process and through scientific consensus: “No need to revisit the question of whether Earth is round; whether the Sun is hot; whether humans and chimps share more than 98 percent identical DNA; or whether the air we breathe is 78 percent nitrogen” (15). Objective truths are not impacted by sense perception, belief systems, repetition, or “magical thinking.” Tyson refers to those who do not accept objective truths as “scientifically illiterate.” Personal truths are opinions or ideas an individual considers true despite a lack of evidence (or even in the face of evidence to the contrary), such as religious beliefs. Tyson values personal truths for adding diversity to humanity but argues that people should maintain a rational outlook and remain open to changing their minds when presented with relevant evidence. Political truths are akin to personal truths but are perpetuated by the media and are often tied to feelings of superiority or the subjugation of others.

Beauty standards are transient. Tyson hypothesizes that visiting aliens would see the cosmetic industry and assume that humans are ugly; however, he posits that some beauty is objective and permanent, such as sunsets, the full moon, waterfalls, and the night sky.