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Professor Eddington has recently remarked that 'The law…

“Professor Eddington has recently remarked that 'The law that entropy always increases - the second law of thermodynamics - holds, I think, the supreme position among the laws of nature'. It is not a little instructive that so similar a law [the fundamental theorem of natural selection] should hold…” quote by Ronald Fisher
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“Professor Eddington has recently remarked that 'The law that entropy always increases - the second law of thermodynamics - holds, I think, the supreme position among the laws of nature'. It is not a little instructive that so similar a law [the fundamental theorem of natural selection] should hold the supreme position among the biological sciences.”

Ronald Fisher

About This Quote

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

The second law of thermodynamics is a fundamental, universal principle, analogous to natural selection's role in biology.

In simple terms: Entropy's law is supreme; so is natural selection.

Key Takeaway

Recognize universal principles across sciences.

Themes

science universality order

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • physics lectures
  • biology courses
  • interdisciplinary research
  • policy making

Key Concepts

thermodynamics natural selection law hierarchy

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes a law 'supreme' in a field?
  • How do physical laws inform biological understanding?
A Different Perspective

Complex systems may not fit simple analogies.

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