Alfred Russel Wallace
Independently conceived the theory of evolution by natural selection and made significant contributions to biogeography.
Most quoted
"The action of this principle is exactly like that of the centrifugal governor of the steam engine, which checks and corrects any irregularities almost before they become evident; and in like manner no unbalanced deficiency in the animal kingdom can ever have continued to exist."
— from Letter to Charles Darwin, 1858
"The great superiority of the human intellect over that of the lower animals, and the fact that this superiority is not required by the conditions of savage life, seem to me to be an insuperable difficulty in the way of the theory of natural selection."
— from Contributions to the Theory of Natural Selection
"The general result of the study of the fossil remains of the extinct mammalia is to show that the forms most nearly allied to those now living were the latest, and that the more ancient forms differ more and more widely from the existing types."
— from Island Life, 1880
All quotes by Alfred Russel Wallace (406)
The intellectual and moral nature of man is a product of a higher power.
I have always been a firm believer in the power of observation and careful reasoning.
The greatest discoveries are often made by those who are willing to question the obvious.
The natural world is a complex and interconnected system.
The theory of natural selection is a simple yet profound explanation for the diversity of life.
The human mind is capable of grasping the most intricate details of nature.
The beauty of the natural world is a constant source of inspiration and wonder.
I have always been driven by a desire to understand the world around me.
The pursuit of truth is the highest aim of science.
The natural world is a testament to the power and wisdom of the Creator.
The study of nature is a lifelong journey of discovery.
The theory of evolution by natural selection is one of the most important scientific discoveries of all time.
The human species is unique in its capacity for abstract thought and moral reasoning.
I have always been fascinated by the diversity of life on Earth.
The scientific method is the most reliable way to acquire knowledge about the natural world.
The universe is a vast and mysterious place, full of wonders yet to be discovered.
The beauty of nature is a source of profound spiritual inspiration.
I have always strived to be a careful observer and a logical thinker.
The pursuit of knowledge is a never-ending quest.
The natural world is a constant source of new insights and understandings.
Contemporaries of Alfred Russel Wallace
Other Biologys born within 50 years of Alfred Russel Wallace (1823–1913).