Stephen Jay Gould

Biology American 1941 – 2002 416 quotes

Punctuated equilibrium theory, popular science writer

Quotes by Stephen Jay Gould

The greatest scientific discoveries often come from challenging established dogma.

The human brain is a marvel of evolution, but it is not perfect.

The Mismeasure of Man 1981

Science is a process of continuous refinement, not a search for absolute truth.

The history of life is a story of contingency, not of determinism.

Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History 1989

The greatest scientific insights often come from interdisciplinary approaches.

The human species is a product of chance and necessity, not of divine design.

Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History 1989

Science is a powerful tool for understanding the natural world, but it has its limitations.

Rocks of Ages: Science and Religion in the Fullness of Life 1999

The history of life is a story of adaptation, not of perfection.

Ever Since Darwin: Reflections in Natural History 1977

The greatest scientific discoveries often challenge our preconceived notions.

The human mind is capable of both great insight and great delusion.

The Mismeasure of Man 1981

Science is a collective enterprise, built upon the work of many individuals.

The history of life is a story of branching and diversification, not of linear progression.

Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History 1989

The greatest scientific discoveries often come from unexpected places.

The human species is a part of nature, not separate from it.

Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History 1989

Science is a journey of discovery, not a destination.

The history of life is a story of both stability and change.

Punctuated Equilibria: An Alternative to Phyletic Gradualism 1972

The greatest scientific discoveries often require a shift in perspective.

The human mind is a product of its environment, as well as its genes.

The Mismeasure of Man 1981

Science is a powerful force for good in the world, but it can also be misused.

The Mismeasure of Man 1981

The history of life is a story of both cooperation and competition.

Wonderful Life: The Burgess Shale and the Nature of History 1989