Frances Arnold
She was awarded the Nobel Prize for her work on directed evolution, creating new enzymes.
Most quoted
"I tell my students, 'If you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough.' And then I tell them, 'But don't fail *too* much, because then you won't get a grant.'"
— from Interview/Talk
"The beauty of directed evolution is that it doesn't require us to understand everything about biology. It just requires us to be good at setting up experiments."
— from Scientific American interview
"The most beautiful, complex, and functional objects on the planet have been made by evolution. We can use it to make things that no human knows how to design."
— from Speech
All quotes by Frances Arnold (425)
We have a responsibility to use our knowledge and our power wisely.
The universe is a vast and mysterious place, and we are privileged to be a part of it.
Every living thing is a testament to the power of evolution.
The elegance of nature's designs is truly awe-inspiring.
We are constantly learning, constantly adapting, just like the molecules we study.
The boundaries between disciplines are artificial. Nature doesn't care about our categories.
To truly understand something, you have to be willing to break it down and put it back together.
The greatest breakthroughs often come from unexpected places, from looking at things differently.
There's a certain magic in being able to design and build new biological systems.
We are not just observers of nature; we are participants in its ongoing creation.
The universe is a dynamic, ever-changing system, and we are part of that change.
The quest for knowledge is a fundamental human drive.
There's a profound sense of wonder that comes from exploring the microscopic world.
We are all temporary custodians of this planet, and we have a duty to protect it.
The most important lessons are often learned through failure.
Creativity is not just for artists; it's essential for scientists too.
The universe is far more complex and fascinating than we can ever imagine.
We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible.
The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey.
There's a deep satisfaction in contributing to the collective human understanding.
Contemporaries of Frances Arnold
Other Chemistrys born within 50 years of Frances Arnold (1956).