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In fact perhaps the only law in biology is that all flesh…

“In fact perhaps the only law in biology is that all flesh is mortal and all species become extinct eventually.” quote by Richard Lewontin
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“In fact perhaps the only law in biology is that all flesh is mortal and all species become extinct eventually.”

Richard Lewontin

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Biology’s fundamental law: all living things die and eventually all species vanish, underscoring impermanence.

In simple terms: All life ends, species eventually disappear.

Key Takeaway

Accept mortality, value the present.

Themes

biology mortality impermanence

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • environmental policy
  • conservation planning
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

evolution extinction philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this view affect your actions?
  • What can we do to mitigate species loss?
A Different Perspective

Focus on extinction can cause fatalism.

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