There is no scientific reason to think that we, even with space travel, are going to survive as a species for ever, certainly not by biting off the hand that feeds us, which is exactly what we are doing.
Lynn MargulisRead
I was taught over and over again that the accumulation of random mutations led to evolutionary change - led to new species. I believed it until I looked for evidence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects skepticism about widely accepted scientific theories based on personal research and evidence.
Lynn Margulis expresses a critical perspective on evolutionary theory, emphasizing that belief in the accumulation of random mutations leading to new species must be supported by evidence. Her statement highlights the importance of inquiry and evidence in understanding scientific concepts, suggesting that blind acceptance of theories without investigation can lead to misconceptions.
Themes
EvolutionMutationsEvidenceSkepticismScience
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about the validity of evolutionary theories at a science conference.
More from Lynn Margulis
All quotes βDespite our very recent appearance on the planet, humanity combines arrogance with increasing material demands, even as we become more numerous. Our toughness is a delusion. Have we the intelligence and discipline to vigilantly guard against our tendency to grow without limit?
Lynn MargulisRead
Similar quotes
Receiving the National Medal of Science is the thrill of a lifetime, but good science does not happen in isolation.
Sandra FaberRead
We have the resources to build room for a trillion humans in this solar system, and when we have a trillion humans, we'll have a thousand Einsteins and a thousand Mozarts. It will be a way more interesting place to live.
Jeff BezosRead
We are in a fool's climate, accidentally kept cool by smoke, and before this century is over billions of us will die and the few breeding pairs of people that survive will be in the Arctic where the climate remains tolerable.
James LovelockRead
We seem gradually to be groping toward an understanding of the world of subatomic particles, but we really do not know how far we have yet to go in this task.
Richard P. FeynmanRead
Evolution has encountered no intellectual trouble; no new arguments have been offered. Creationism is a home-grown phenomenon of American sociocultural history-a splinter movement ... who believe that every word in the Bible must be literally true, whatever such a claim might mean.
Stephen Jay GouldRead
We need to look at NASA, not as a handout, but as an investment.
Neil Degrasse TysonRead