# Extinction is the rule, survival is the exception by Carl Sagan > "Extinction is the rule, survival is the exception." > **— Carl Sagan**, *Widely cited Sagan statement; source clue via fossil-record discussion* Verification Status: Unverified — exact wording/source has not yet been independently confirmed against a primary source; source clue: Widely cited Sagan statement; source clue via fossil-record discussion.