Barbara McClintock

The genome is a highly adaptable and resilient system, capable of remarkable feats of self-organization.

The organism is a living laboratory, constantly experimenting and evolving.

I was always trying to see the beauty in the complexity of life.

The genome is a testament to the power of natural selection, a finely tuned instrument of survival.

The organism is a symphony of interacting parts, all working in harmony to create life.

I was always trying to understand the logic of life, the underlying principles that govern all living things.

I have been so completely absorbed in my work that I have not had time to write to anyone.

The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don't know.

It's a wonderful feeling to be able to see something that no one else has seen before.

I'm not interested in being famous. I'm interested in understanding.

One must have the courage to be ignorant.

The organism has a way of knowing what it's doing.

I always had the feeling that I was going to find something important.

It's not just about the genes; it's about the whole system.

I don't think I'm a genius. I just work hard and I'm very persistent.

The future of genetics lies in understanding the dynamics of the genome.

I've always been a loner, but I've never felt lonely.

You have to be able to listen to the organism.

The beauty of science is that it's always changing, always evolving.

I never felt that I was competing with anyone. I was just trying to understand.