--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: We know the laws of trial and error, of…" description: "\"We know the laws of trial and error, of large numbers and probabilities. We know that these laws are part of the mathematical and mechanical fabric of ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a9/albert-claude-24776_biology_we-know-the-laws-of-trial-and-error-of-l_2297297.png" --- # We know the laws of trial and error, of large numbers and… ![“We know the laws of trial and error, of large numbers and probabilities. We know that these laws are part of the mathematical and mechanical fabric of the universe, and that they are also at play in biological processes. But, in the name of the experimental method and out of our poor knowledge…” quote by Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a9/albert-claude-24776_biology_we-know-the-laws-of-trial-and-error-of-l_2297297.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a9/albert-claude-24776_biology_we-know-the-laws-of-trial-and-error-of-l_2297297.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0a9/albert-claude-24776_biology_we-know-the-laws-of-trial-and-error-of-l_2297297.png) > “We know the laws of trial and error, of large numbers and probabilities. We know that these laws are part of the mathematical and mechanical fabric of the universe, and that they are also at play in biological processes. But, in the name of the experimental method and out of our poor knowledge, are we really entitled to claim that everything happens by chance, to the exclusion of all other possibilities?” [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He questions whether randomness truly governs all events, suggesting hidden mechanisms may exist beyond chance. **In simple terms:** Not everything is random; unknown factors may act. Key Takeaway Consider unseen influences. Themes science philosophy probability Mood inquisitive analytical Type philosophical scientific When to use this quote - research design - risk assessment - theoretical modeling Key Concepts determinism unknown variables experimental limits Questions to Reflect On - What evidence challenges pure chance? - How can we detect hidden causal factors? A Different Perspective Randomness may be a placeholder for incomplete knowledge. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Biology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biology/) [Chance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/chance/) [Claims](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/claims/) [Entitled](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/entitled/) [Errors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/errors/) [Exclusion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/exclusion/) [Fabric](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fabric/) [Happens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happens/) [Happens Chance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/happens-chance-586328/) [Knowledge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowledge/) [Knows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows/) [Large numbers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/large-numbers/) [Law](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law/) [Laws Mathematical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/laws-mathematical-5420843/) [Mathematical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mathematical/) [Method](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/method/) [Names](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/names/) [Numbers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/numbers/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) [Poor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/poor/) [Possibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possibility/) [Probabilities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/probabilities/) [Probabilities Know](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/probabilities-know-5420842/) [Probability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/probability/) [Process](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/process/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Things happen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/things-happen/) [Trial and error](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trial-and-error/) [Trials](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/trials/) [Universe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/universe/) ## Related quotes > [All experience teaches that, whenever there is a great national establishment, employing large numbers of officials, the public must be reconciled to support many…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herman-melville/all-experience-teaches-that-whenever-there-is-a-great-national/) [Herman Melville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herman-melville/) > [Nothing happens by chance, my friend... No such thing as luck. A meaning behind every little thing, and such a meaning behind this. Part…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/nothing-happens-by-chance-my-friend-no-such-thing-as-luck-a-meaning/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The best stuff happens when you take a chance. When you risk something and do the thing that the other people are taking a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lili-reinhart/the-best-stuff-happens-when-you-take-a-chance-when-you-risk-something/) [Lili Reinhart](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lili-reinhart/) > [Nothing happens by chance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/nothing-happens-by-chance/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Always remember, there’s no such thing as luck, nothing happens by chance, and all is by divine intervention. You’re like a magnet, wherever you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/diana-anderson/always-remember-there-s-no-such-thing-as-luck-nothing-happens-by/) [Diana Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/diana-anderson/) > [“So much of what happens by chance forms what becomes your life.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-ebert/so-much-of-what-happens-by-chance-forms-what-becomes-your-life/) [Roger Ebert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-ebert/) > [“I believe that nothing happens by chance. Deep down, things have their secret plan, even though we don't understand it.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carlos-ruiz-zafon/i-believe-that-nothing-happens-by-chance-deep-down-things-have-their/) [Carlos Ruiz Zafón](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carlos-ruiz-zafon/) > [Nothing in this world happens by chance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paulo-coelho/nothing-in-this-world-happens-by-chance/) [Paulo Coelho](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paulo-coelho/) > [Sit and reflect on life itself and you would discover that nothing happens by chance.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/t-b-joshua/sit-and-reflect-on-life-itself-and-you-would-discover-that-nothing/) [T. B. Joshua](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/t-b-joshua/) > [My life experience has taught me nothing happens by chance. Even the idea of the ball in a roulette game: it's not chance it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andrea-bocelli/my-life-experience-has-taught-me-nothing-happens-by-chance-even-the/) [Andrea Bocelli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andrea-bocelli/) > [“We like to think that we plan what happens to us, but it is chance, surely, that lies behind so many of the great…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-mccall-smith/we-like-to-think-that-we-plan-what-happens-to-us-but-it-is-chance/) [Alexander McCall Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-mccall-smith/) > [In the blink of an eye, something happens by chance - when you least expect it - sets you on a course that you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nicholas-sparks/in-the-blink-of-an-eye-something-happens-by-chance-when-you-least/) [Nicholas Sparks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nicholas-sparks/) > [Nothing, including human suffering, happens by chance…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-calvin/nothing-including-human-suffering-happens-by-chance/) [John Calvin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-calvin/) > [What's really great is when something happens by chance. without a date, without a schedule, just by coincidence..or fate...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ritu-ghatourey/what-s-really-great-is-when-something-happens-by-chance-without-a/) [Ritu Ghatourey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ritu-ghatourey/) > [Nothing ever happens by chance; everything is pushed from behind.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emily-murphy/nothing-ever-happens-by-chance-everything-is-pushed-from-behind/) [Emily Murphy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emily-murphy/) ## More by Albert Claude > [As far as I remember, even younger than eight, I have always been guided by reason. Not cold reason, but that which leads to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/as-far-as-i-remember-even-younger-than-eight-i-have-always-been/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [But, in the name of the experimental method and out of our poor knowledge, are we really entitled to claim that everything happens by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/but-in-the-name-of-the-experimental-method-and-out-of-our-poor/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [This familiarity with a respected physician and my appreciation of his work, or the tragedy I experienced with the long, tormented agony and death…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/this-familiarity-with-a-respected-physician-and-my-appreciation-of/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [For this equilibrium now in sight, let us trust that mankind, as it has occurred in the greatest periods of its past, will find…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/for-this-equilibrium-now-in-sight-let-us-trust-that-mankind-as-it-has/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [ Until 1930 or thereabout biologists \[using microscopes\], in the situation of Astronomers and Astrophysicists, were permitted to see the objects of their interest, but… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/until-1930-or-thereabout-biologists-using-microscopes-in-the/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [It is the cells which create and maintain in us, during the span of our lives, our will to live and survive, to search…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/it-is-the-cells-which-create-and-maintain-in-us-during-the-span-of/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [I told him that for a modern scientist, practicing experimental research, the least that could be said, is that we do not know. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/i-told-him-that-for-a-modern-scientist-practicing-experimental/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [Looking back 25 years later, what I may say is that the facts have been far better than the dreams. In the long course…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/looking-back-25-years-later-what-i-may-say-is-that-the-facts-have/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [Once Ptolemy and Plato, yesterday Newton, today Einstein, and tomorrow new faiths, new beliefs, and new dimensions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/once-ptolemy-and-plato-yesterday-newton-today-einstein-and-tomorrow/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [No doubt, man will continue to weigh and to measure, watch himself grow, and his Universe around him and with him, according to the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/no-doubt-man-will-continue-to-weigh-and-to-measure-watch-himself-grow/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [The cell, over the billions of years of her life, has covered the earth many times with her substance, found ways to control herself…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/the-cell-over-the-billions-of-years-of-her-life-has-covered-the-earth/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [When I went to the University, the medical school was the only place where one could hope to find the means to study life,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/when-i-went-to-the-university-the-medical-school-was-the-only-place/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [Life, this anti-entropy, ceaselessly reloaded with energy, is a climbing force, toward order amidst chaos, toward light, among the darkness of the indefinite, toward…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/life-this-anti-entropy-ceaselessly-reloaded-with-energy-is-a-climbing/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [Man, like other organisms, is so perfectly coordinated that he may easily forget, whether awake or asleep, that he is a colony of cells…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/man-like-other-organisms-is-so-perfectly-coordinated-that-he-may/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) > [If we examine the accomplishments of man in his most advanced endeavors, in theory and in practice, we find that the cell has done…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-claude/if-we-examine-the-accomplishments-of-man-in-his-most-advanced/) [Albert Claude](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) [Explore all 24 Albert Claude quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-claude/) ## More Biology quotes > [In the fight between biology and morality, biology has commonly won in the end.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/semir-zeki/in-the-fight-between-biology-and-morality-biology-has-commonly-won-in/) [Semir Zeki](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/semir-zeki/) > [“Genetics is a science full of gods, Mr. Sanchez.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/valeria-luiselli/genetics-is-a-science-full-of-gods-mr-sanchez/) [Valeria Luiselli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/valeria-luiselli/) > [We became Homo sapiens not that long ago, from the scientific perspective, and we've retained a lot of our beast nature. We've done all…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wangechi-mutu/we-became-homo-sapiens-not-that-long-ago-from-the-scientific/) [Wangechi Mutu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wangechi-mutu/) > [Evolution happens in jumps, very rapidly.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marilyn-ferguson/evolution-happens-in-jumps-very-rapidly/) [Marilyn Ferguson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilyn-ferguson/) > [“Toshiaki learned that all living organisms were governed by their DNA. He was impressed by perfection of this system.Why did existence have the ability…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/hideaki-sena/toshiaki-learned-that-all-living-organisms-were-governed-by-their-dna/) [Hideaki Sena](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/hideaki-sena/) > [I'm all about evolution. I'm the first person to judge myself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/the-weeknd/i-m-all-about-evolution-i-m-the-first-person-to-judge-myself/) [The Weeknd](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/the-weeknd/) > [We are somehow the children of the planet, we are somehow its finest hour; we bind time, we bind the past, we anticipate the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/terence-mckenna/we-are-somehow-the-children-of-the-planet-we-are-somehow-its-finest/) [Terence McKenna](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/terence-mckenna/) > [I think the ethics and morals of genetic engineering are very complicated. It intrigues me.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-spottiswoode/i-think-the-ethics-and-morals-of-genetic-engineering-are-very/) [Roger Spottiswoode](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-spottiswoode/) > [Biochemists and biologists who adhere blindly to the Darwinism theory search for results that will be in agreement with their theories and consequently orient…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pierre-paul-grasse/biochemists-and-biologists-who-adhere-blindly-to-the-darwinism-theory/) [Pierre-Paul Grasse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pierre-paul-grasse/) > [“A note of caution: epigenetics is also on the verge of transforming into a dangerous idea. Epigenetic modifications of genes can potentially superpose historical…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/siddhartha-mukherjee/a-note-of-caution-epigenetics-is-also-on-the-verge-of-transforming/) [Siddhartha Mukherjee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/siddhartha-mukherjee/) > [Natural history is not taught in seminary. This is curious, as most people in pastoral ministry are about 567 times more likely to be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sara-maitland/natural-history-is-not-taught-in-seminary-this-is-curious-as-most/) [Sara Maitland](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sara-maitland/) > [We are coming to a place where the road ends. From here on out, we will be making the road as we walk it,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-atlee/we-are-coming-to-a-place-where-the-road-ends-from-here-on-out-we-will/) [Tom Atlee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-atlee/) > [I've always been interested in medicine and was pleased when my brother became a doctor. But after thinking seriously about that field, I realized…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lois-lowry/i-ve-always-been-interested-in-medicine-and-was-pleased-when-my/) [Lois Lowry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lois-lowry/) > [Evolution... is the most powerful and the most comprehensive idea that has ever arisen on Earth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julian-huxley/evolution-is-the-most-powerful-and-the-most-comprehensive-idea-that/) [Julian Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julian-huxley/) > [History employs evolution to structure biological events in time.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-jay-gould/history-employs-evolution-to-structure-biological-events-in-time/) [Stephen Jay Gould](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-jay-gould/) [Browse all 3,034 Biology quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biology/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "We know the laws of trial and error, of large numbers and probabilities. 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