Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
Charles DarwinRead
It is certain that there may be extraordinary mental activity with an extremely small absolute mass of nervous matter: thus the wonderfully diversified instincts, mental powers, and affections of ants are notorious, yet their cerebral ganglia are not so large as the quarter of a small pin's head. Under this point of view, the brain of an ant is one of the most marvelous atoms of matter in the world, perhaps more so than the brain of a man.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the complexity and capability of the ant's brain despite its small size, suggesting that intelligence isn't solely dependent on brain mass.
In this quote, Charles Darwin reflects on the remarkable capabilities of ants, which possess extraordinary instincts and mental powers despite their tiny nervous systems. He points out that the size of their cerebral ganglia is disproportionately small compared to the complexity of their behavior, indicating that intelligence and mental activity are not necessarily linked to the amount of brain matter. This challenges conventional assumptions about the relationship between brain size and cognitive abilities, suggesting that even the smallest creatures can possess impressive mental faculties.
Themes
AntsIntelligenceBrainDarwinScience
In practice
Example use cases
During a science seminar, I used this quote to illustrate the unexpected capabilities of small creatures.
More from Charles Darwin
All quotes →The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
Charles DarwinRead
I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science....It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.
Charles DarwinRead
We cannot fathom the marvelous complexity of an organic being; but on the hypothesis here advanced this complexity is much increased. Each living creature must be looked at as a microcosm--a little universe, formed of a host of self-propagating organisms, inconceivably minute and as numerous as the stars in heaven.
Charles DarwinRead
I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.
Charles DarwinRead
we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
Charles DarwinRead
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