Stephen Jay Gould

Biology American 1941 – 2002 416 quotes

Punctuated equilibrium theory, popular science writer

Quotes by Stephen Jay Gould

The universe is not a clockwork mechanism. It is a dynamic, evolving system.

Lecture

Evolution is not a theory about the origin of life. It is a theory about the diversification of life.

Lecture

The history of life is full of surprises. It is not a straight line from simple to complex.

Lecture

Science is a human activity, and like all human activities, it is subject to error.

Interview

The most important thing to teach students is not what to think, but how to think.

Lecture

The universe is not designed for us. We are just a small part of a much larger story.

Lecture

Science is a conversation, not a monologue.

Interview

The history of life is a story of constant change and adaptation.

Lecture

The greatest strength of science is its ability to admit when it is wrong.

Public Appearance

Evolution is not a belief system. It is a scientific explanation for the diversity of life.

Lecture

The history of life is a story of trial and error, not perfect design.

Lecture

Science is a journey, not a destination.

Interview

The most important thing to remember about the human brain is that it is a product of evolution.

Lecture

The universe is a vast and mysterious place, and we are only just beginning to understand it.

Lecture

Science is a tool for understanding the world, not for dictating how we should live our lives.

Public Appearance

Evolution is not a theory about how humans came to be. It is a theory about how all life came to be.

Lecture

Science is a collaborative effort. It is built on the work of many individuals.

Interview

The most important thing to remember about human nature is that it is complex and multifaceted.

Lecture

The universe is full of wonders, and science is the key to unlocking them.

Lecture

Science is a powerful tool, but it is not the only way of knowing.

Public Appearance