Astronomer Carl Sagan On (Children And Their) Curious Questions

If a 5- or a 6-year old asks why the moon is round or why grass is green, the usual adult answer, at least in my experience, is to discourage the child; to say “What shape did you expect the moon to be? Square?” or “What colour did you expect the grass to be? Blue?”

Instead of saying that, say “Those are interesting questions; let’s try to find out the answer” or “Maybe nobody knows the answer and when you grow up you will be able to discover the answer”.

It would be very healthy for the human species if there were less discouragement and more scientists.