The human mind delights in finding patte... by Stephen Jay Gould | We Heart Quotes

Author Science scientist Evolution Paleontologist

The human mind delights in finding pattern — so much so that we often mistake coincidence or forced analogy for profound meaning. No other habit of thought lies so deeply within the soul of a small creature trying to make sense of a complex world not constructed for it.

- Stephen Jay Gould

Other quotes by Stephen Jay Gould

Nothing matches the holiness and fascination of accurate and intricate detail.

- Stephen Jay Gould

The most important tactic in an argument next to being right is to leave an escape hatch for your opponent so that he can gracefully swing over to your side without an embarrassing loss of face.

- Stephen Jay Gould

We have become, by the power of a glorious evolutionary accident called intelligence, the stewards of life's continuity on earth. We did not ask for this role, but we cannot abjure it. We may not be suited to it, but here we are.

- Stephen Jay Gould

Arrogance

The most important scientific revolutions all include, as their only common feature, the dethronement of human arrogance from one pedestal after another of previous convictions about our centrality in the cosmos.

- Stephen Jay Gould

The authors of recent studies on spotted hyena have found that males and females are so similar that their sex can only be determined reliably by palpation of the scrotum.

- Stephen Jay Gould

Life is short, and potential studies infinite. We have a much better chance of accomplishing something significant when we follow our passionate interests and work in areas of deepest personal meaning.

- Stephen Jay Gould

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