Barbara McClintock

It might seem to you that I'm just playing, but I'm really working.

I don't think I'm a genius. I just have a lot of patience.

You have to be able to see the whole thing, not just the parts.

I just kept doing what I was doing, and eventually, they caught up.

If you don't understand it, don't try to explain it.

I've always been a bit of an outsider, and I like it that way.

The important thing is to keep asking questions.

I had to be my own critic, because there was nobody else.

It's not about being right, it's about understanding.

I don't believe in 'Eureka!' moments. It's more like 'Hmm, that's interesting.'

I'm not interested in fame, I'm interested in the truth.

The biggest obstacle is often your own mind.

I never felt like I was competing with anyone. I was just exploring.

Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts.

I don't mind being wrong, as long as I learn something.

The answers are usually right in front of you, if you know how to look.

I was never afraid to challenge the dogma.

It's a lot easier to see things when you're not trying to prove something.

I just wanted to know how it worked.

The best experiments are the ones that surprise you.