Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
Proposed an early theory of evolution based on the inheritance of acquired characteristics, though later superseded by Darwin's theory.
Most quoted
"It is not the organs, that is to say, the nature and form of the parts of the body of an animal, which have given rise to its habits and its particular faculties. It is, on the contrary, its habits, its manner of life, and the circumstances in which its ancestors have found themselves, which have, in the course of time, really constituted the form of its body, the number and state of its organs, and, in short, the faculties which it possesses."
— from Philosophie Zoologique, 1809
"Second Law: All the acquisitions or losses wrought by nature on individuals, through the influence of the environment in which their race has long been placed, and hence through the influence of the predominant use or permanent disuse of any organ; all these are preserved by reproduction to the new individuals which arise, provided that the acquired modifications are common to both sexes, or at least to the individuals which produce the young."
— from Philosophie Zoologique, 1809
"It is not the organs, that is to say, the nature and form of the parts of the body, that have given rise to their habits and particular faculties, but it is, on the contrary, their habits, their manner of life, and the circumstances in which the individuals of which the race is formed have found themselves, that have with time constituted the form of the body, the number and state of their organs, and finally the faculties which they possess."
— from Philosophie Zoologique, 1809
All quotes by Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (412)
The blind mole, by its constant burrowing, has, in a sense, chosen its own destiny of sightlessness. A rather peculiar ambition, one might say.
It seems some prefer a static universe, where everything remains as it was. A rather dull prospect, wouldn't you agree?
The idea that organs develop or atrophy based on their use is not so much a radical notion as it is a simple observation of the obvious. Yet, some find the obvious quite shocking.
Nature, in her infinite wisdom, often finds the most circuitous routes to her grand designs. We, with our linear thinking, often miss the elegance of her detours.
To assume that all creatures were created perfectly formed is to deny them the very dignity of striving and adapting. A rather uncharitable view, I think.
The world is not a finished painting, but a canvas upon which life is constantly sketching and re-sketching. Some prefer to admire only the finished work, however.
If a man loses an arm, his children are not born without an arm. This, of course, is the simple counter-argument, but it misses the point of gradual, generational change entirely.
The more one studies the natural world, the more one realizes how much we still have to learn. A humbling thought, for those who are willing to be humbled.
Some prefer their science to be a comfortable affirmation of existing beliefs. I, however, find discomfort to be a far more stimulating companion.
The very act of living is an act of adaptation. To deny adaptation is to deny the very essence of life itself.
One might say that the fish, by its constant swimming, has, in a sense, willed its own fins. A rather dedicated swimmer, wouldn't you agree?
The world is not a static stage, but a dynamic drama. Those who insist on a fixed script will surely miss the best acts.
It is a peculiar human trait to resist the obvious when it challenges a cherished notion. One might call it intellectual inertia.
The idea of species transforming over time is not a fantasy, but a logical deduction from observation. Unless, of course, one prefers to observe only what one already believes.
Nature, in her grand design, is not concerned with our preconceived notions of perfection. She is concerned with survival, and that, my friends, is a far more interesting pursuit.
To cling to the idea of immutable species is to deny the very dynamism of life. It's like insisting a river never flows.
The very act of striving, of reaching, of adapting, is what shapes life. Without it, we would all be rather dull, wouldn't we?
Some prefer their scientific explanations to be as simple as possible, even if reality is stubbornly complex. A charming naivety, perhaps.
The world is a grand experiment, and we are all, in our own way, participants. Some, however, prefer to remain spectators, even when the stage is shifting beneath their feet.
If a creature loses an organ through disuse, it is not a punishment, but a practical economy of nature. She is, after all, quite frugal.
Contemporaries of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck
Other Biologys born within 50 years of Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744–1829).