This quote critiques the popularity of Erich von Däniken's writing, which suggests that our ancestors were not intelligent. Carl Sagan argues that this reflects a troubling mindset of our society, where people are willing to accept flawed ideas out of a sense of hopelessness. He hopes that works like Däniken's are used in educational settings to demonstrate poor reasoning and fallacious arguments. Sagan's emphasis on the lack of logic and factual accuracy in such writings serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking. In an age where misinformation can spread easily, this quote highlights the need for discernment and a commitment to truth. It calls on individuals to cultivate a mindset that values intellectual rigor and skepticism over uncritical acceptance of sensational claims. Ultimately, Sagan's words urge us to remain vigilant in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding.