There is no controversy within science over the core proposition of evolutionary theory.
Kenneth R. MillerRead
For much of history it was possible to believe that the great diversity of life on Earth was a fixed creation, that the living world had never changed. But when the first stirrings of industry demanded that fuel be dug from the earth and hillsides be leveled for roads and railways, the Earth's true past was dug up in abundance.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the misconception of life's permanence and the revelations brought by industrial advancement.
Kenneth R. Miller reflects on the evolution of our understanding of life's diversity, illustrating how industrial progress has challenged the notion that species and the environment remain unchanged. The quote suggests that as human activities unearthed natural resources, they also revealed the dynamic history of the Earth and its life forms, which have continuously evolved rather than being static.
Themes
EvolutionChangeNatureIndustryHistory
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech on environmental awareness, one could reference Miller's quote to illustrate the impact of industrialization on our understanding of life.
More from Kenneth R. Miller
All quotes →We humans have a tendency to see ourselves as completely different from other animals, and the way in which large segments of the public continue to reject the theory of evolution is just one symptom of that malaise.
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Evolution isn't just a story about where we came from. It's an epic at the center of life itself. Far from robbing our lives of meaning, it instills an appreciation for the beautiful, enduring, and ultimately triumphant fabric of life that covers our planet. Understanding that doesn't demean human life - it enhances it.
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Whether conservative or liberal, fundamentalist or agnostic, the more students learn of biology, the more they accept evolution.
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