Evolution is a fact. It is the best explanation of what is known from observations. It's a theory as powerful as the theory of gravity.
Donald JohansonRead
Where we are going as a species is a big question. Human evolution certainly hasn't stopped. Every time individuals produce a new zygote, there's a reshuffling and recombination of genes. And we don't know where all of that is going to take us.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the uncertain future of human evolution and the ongoing changes in our species.
Donald Johanson's quote underscores the dynamic nature of human evolution, suggesting that as individuals reproduce, the genetic reshuffling that occurs plays a significant role in shaping the future of humanity. It emphasizes the complexity and unpredictability of our evolutionary journey, indicating that despite our advancements, we remain deeply connected to the biological processes that continue to drive our development as a species.
In practice
During a discussion on genetic research, this quote can highlight the unpredictable nature of human evolution.
Evolution is a fact. It is the best explanation of what is known from observations. It's a theory as powerful as the theory of gravity.
When I realized, in 1978, that Lucy did represent a new species of human ancestor, and that I had an opportunity to name this new species, I realized this was a revolutionary step in understanding human origins.
And what I wanted to do was, I wanted to explore problems and areas where we didn't have answers. In fact, where we didn't even know the right questions to ask.
I think that many of my ideas are correct, but I'll bet you, before my death other discoveries will be made that will prompt me to alter various ideas I have about human evolution.
I want to realize brotherhood or identity not merely with the beings called human, but I want to realize identity with all life, even with such things as crawl upon earth.
There is no coincidence. Only the illusion of coincidence.
Julian once wrote that coincidences are the scars of fate. There are no coincidences, Daniel. We are puppets of our subconscious desires.
I found I could extinguish all human hope from my soul.
It is so easy to be hopeful in the daytime when you can see the things you wish on. But it was night, it stayed night. Night was striding across nothingness with the whole round world in his hands . . . They sat in company with the others in other shanties, their eyes straining against cruel walls and their souls asking if He meant to measure their puny might against His. They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God.
If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned how to live.
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