Carl Sagan's fascination with science was sparked at a young age when he visited the 1939 World's Fair in New York. This event, which showcased futuristic inventions and ideas, inspired Sagan and many others to dream of a brighter future fueled by scientific discovery.
The innovation boom between 1935 and 1975 was a period where funding was plentiful and anything seemed possible. Many of the inventions from this time period continue to be the basis for today's advancements, such as the iPhone.
Carl Sagan was a grounded scientist who believed in the discussion of all topics as long as they were grounded in facts. In 1969, he held a conference on UFOs where all sides were welcome to share their position on the topic.