"The problem is, most people believe that real science is too difficult and complicated for them to understand" (4)

"Let them rise to the challenge of the sustainable development goals, and act, not out of self-interest, but out of common interest. I am very aware of the preciousness of time. Seize the moment. Act now." (5)

"One day, I hope we will know the answers to all these questions. But there are other challenges, other big questions that must be answered, and these will also need a new generation who are interested and engaged, and have an understanding of science. How will we feed an ever-growing population? Provide clean water, generate renewable energy, prevent and cure disease and slow down global climate change? I hope that science and technology will provide the answers to these questions, but it will take people, human beings with knowledge and understanding, to implement these solutions. Let us fight for every woman and every man to have the opportunity to live healthy, secure lives full of opportunity and love. We are all time travellers (sic), journeying together into the future. But let us work together to make that future a place we want to visit. Be brave, be curious, be determined, overcome the odds. It can be done." (21-22)

"Nowadays, science provides better and more consistent answers, but people will always cling to religion, because it gives comfort, and they do not trust or understand science." (25)

"It is without doubt the case that our world is more politically unstable than at any time in my memory. Large numbers of people feel left behind both economically and socially. As a result, they are turning to populist⁠— or at least popular⁠— politicians who have limited experience of government and whose ability to take calm decisions in a crisis has yet to be tested." (146-147)

"Global warming is caused by all of us. We want cars, travel, and a better standard of living. The trouble is, by the time people realise (sic) what is happening, it may be too late." (147)

"At the same time, many of those same politicians are denying the reality of man-made climate change, or at least the ability of man to reverse it, just at the moment that our world is facing a series of environmental crises. The danger is that global warming may become self-sustaining, if it has not done so already." (148)

"A new interest in science would also increase the public understanding of science generally. The low esteem in which science and scientists are held is having serious consequences." (168)

"If you look behind every exceptional person there is an exceptional teacher." (201)

"With Brexit and Trump now exerting new forces in relation to immigration and the development of education, we are witnessing a global revolt against experts, which includes scientists. So what can we do to secure the future of science and technology education?" (202)

"But what lies ahead for those who are young now? I can say with confidence that their future will more on science and technology than any previous generation's has done. They need to know about science more than any before them because it is a part of their daily lives in an unprecedented way." (203)