Portrait of James Watson

James Watson

Co-discoverer of DNA structure

Modern influential 106 sayings

Sayings by James Watson

The gene for stupidity will be found within 10 years.

2007 — Interview with The Times
Wisdom Unverifiable

I am inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa because all our social policies are based on the assumption that their intelligence is the same as ours — whereas all the testing says not really.

2007 — Interview with The Sunday Times
Wisdom Confirmed

There are a lot of people who would like to have me dead.

2007 — Interview after controversial remarks
Wisdom Unverifiable

I’m not a racist in a conventional way. I’ve never been a racist. I’ve never been anti-Semitic. I’m not prejudiced.

2007 — Interview with The Associated Press
Wisdom Unverifiable

If you could find a way to make all girls pretty, you'd be a hero.

Unspecified, but around 2000s — Public lecture at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Wisdom Unverifiable

People say, 'What about the poor people?' I say, 'They're not going to be any poorer.'

Unspecified — Speaking about genetic engineering
Money & Business Unverifiable

Never be the brightest person in the room.

Unspecified — Advice given to students
Wisdom Unverifiable

The most important thing for me is to be able to tell the truth. If you can't tell the truth, then what's the point?

Unspecified — Interview
Wisdom Unverifiable

I don't think there's any fundamental difference between a gene and a human being.

Unspecified — Interview
Wisdom Unverifiable

If we could make all women beautiful, it would be a good thing.

Unspecified, but around 2000s — Speaking about genetic engineering
Wisdom Unverifiable

I'm not a racist. I just see the world as it is.

2007 — Interview after controversial remarks
Wisdom Unverifiable

We have to cure stupidity.

2007 — Interview with Vanity Fair
Wisdom Unverifiable

I hope that no one takes my views seriously.

Unspecified — Interview, possibly sarcastically
Inspirational Unverifiable

I’m an optimist. I think we can make better human beings.

Unspecified — Interview
Wisdom Unverifiable

I don't mind if I'm unpopular. I've always been unpopular.

Unspecified — Interview
Wisdom Unverifiable

The best way to do science is to be irresponsible.

Unspecified — Advice given to students
Educational Unverifiable

I'm not going to be politically correct.

2007 — Interview after controversial remarks
Political Unverifiable

If you don't make mistakes, you're not trying hard enough.

Unspecified — General advice
Wisdom Unverifiable

The greatest joy is to discover something new.

Unspecified — Reflecting on his career
Educational Unverifiable

It's much more fun to be famous than not to be famous.

Unspecified — Interview
Wisdom Unverifiable
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