Shifting perspective

We have the Pale Blue Dot photograph thanks to Carl Sagan. That image, and Sagan’s words, remind us to cherish our tiny planet — the dot “on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.”

A shift in perspective is a powerful thing.

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Two works you should know, also related to perspective:

Powers of Ten. In 1968, Charles and Ray Eames created this compelling 9-minute short that explores size, scale, and perspective. If you’ve never seen it, it’s worth the time. You can watch it on YouTube.

Also, Zoom. This illustrated book by Istvan Banyai steps the viewer through layers of scale and perspective. Some video versions exist, but it’s best in printed form. Borrow it from your library sometime. It’s wonderful.

The Pale Blue Dot photo. “That’s here. That’s home. That’s us.” Image: NASA / JPL