I am a creationist and an evolutionist. Evolution is God's, or Nature's method of creation. Creation is not an event that happened in 4004 BC; it is a process that began some 10 billion years ago and is still under way.
Theodosius DobzhanskyRead
Evolutionary plasticity can be purchased only at the ruthlessly dear price of continuously sacrificing some individuals to death from unfavourable mutations. Bemoaning this imperfection of nature has, however, no place in a scientific treatment of this subject.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Evolution relies on the survival of the fittest, often requiring sacrifices due to unfavorable mutations.
This quote by Theodosius Dobzhansky emphasizes the harsh realities of evolutionary processes, where the adaptability and diversity of species come at the cost of the survival of some individuals who bear unfavorable mutations. While it may seem tragic to sacrifice certain lives, this is an essential part of natural selection and evolution, and lamenting this fact does not advance scientific understanding.
Themes
EvolutionMutationsNatural SelectionScienceAdaptability
In practice
Example use cases
In a lecture on evolutionary biology, I used this quote to illustrate the harsh realities of natural selection.
More from Theodosius Dobzhansky
All quotes →Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.
Theodosius DobzhanskyRead
Similar quotes
Scientists must venture outside their comfort zones to show the public how cool - and how important - their work really is.
Francis CollinsRead
In first place we must observe that the universe is spherical. This is either because that figure is the most perfect, as not being articulated, but whole and complete in itself; or because it is the most capacious and therefore best suited for that which is to contain and preserve all things.
Nicolaus CopernicusRead
What really happens is that the gene pool becomes filled with genes that influence bodies in such a way that they behave 'as if' they made complex, if unconscious, cost/benefit calculations
Richard DawkinsRead
Fortunately, there's another handy driver that has manifested itself throughout the history of cultures. The urge to want to gain wealth. That is almost as potent a driver as the urge to maintain your security. And that is how I view NASA going forward - as an investment in our economy.
Neil Degrasse TysonRead
A discovery is like falling in love and reaching the top of a mountain after a hard climb all in one, an ecstasy not induced by drugs but by the revelation of a face of nature that no one has seen before and that often turns out to be more subtle and wonderful than anyone had imagined.
Max PerutzRead
Science and technology have freed humanity from many burdens and given us this new perspective and great power. This power can be used for the good of all. If wisdom governs our actions; but if the world is mad or foolish, it can destroy itself just when great advances and triumphs are almost without its grasp.
Jawaharlal NehruRead