All illnesses have some heredity contribution. It's been said that genetics loads the gun and environment pulls the trigger.
Francis CollinsRead
I took biology in high school and didn't like it at all. It was focused on memorization. ... I didn't appreciate that biology also had principles and logic ... [rather than dealing with a] messy thing called life. It just wasn't organized, and I wanted to stick with the nice pristine sciences of chemistry and physics, where everything made sense. I wish I had learned sooner that biology could be fun as well.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Biology encompasses more than just memorization; it involves understanding principles and logic.
In this quote, Francis Collins reflects on his early aversion to biology due to its emphasis on memorization and perceived lack of organization compared to the 'pristine' nature of chemistry and physics. He later recognizes that biology possesses its own set of principles and can be engaging, highlighting the importance of appreciating the complexities and nuances of life and the natural world.
Themes
BiologyScienceLearningUnderstandingAppreciation
In practice
Example use cases
During a science education seminar, a speaker might use this quote to emphasize the importance of engaging students in the fun aspects of biology beyond memorization.
More from Francis Collins
All quotes →I think history would say that medical research has, throughout many changes of parties, remained as one of the shining lights of bipartisan agreement, that people are concerned about health for themselves, for their families, for their constituents.
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I finished up my graduate degree in quantum mechanics, but underwent a bit of a personal crisis, recognizing that I didn't want to do that for the rest of my life. It was too abstract, too far removed from human concerns.
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The brain is the most complicated organ in the universe. We have learned a lot about other human organs. We know how the heart pumps and how the kidney does what it does. To a certain degree, we have read the letters of the human genome. But the brain has 100 billion neurons. Each one of those has about 10,000 connections.
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I believe God did intend, in giving us intelligence, to give us the opportunity to investigate and appreciate the wonders of His creation. He is not threatened by our scientific adventures.
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Nobody gets argued all the way into becoming a believer on the sheer basis of logic and reason. That requires a leap of faith.
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