--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If it takes a million years for a fish to…" description: "\"If it takes a million years for a fish to become a reptile, has Man, in our few hundred, altered out of recognition?\" — Anonymous" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/976/anonymous-1_fishes_if-it-takes-a-million-years-for-a-fish-t_1012023.jpg" --- # If it takes a million years for a fish to become a… ![“If it takes a million years for a fish to become a reptile, has Man, in our few hundred, altered out of recognition?” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/976/anonymous-1_fishes_if-it-takes-a-million-years-for-a-fish-t_1012023.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/976/anonymous-1_fishes_if-it-takes-a-million-years-for-a-fish-t_1012023.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/976/anonymous-1_fishes_if-it-takes-a-million-years-for-a-fish-t_1012023.jpg) > “If it takes a million years for a fish to become a reptile, has Man, in our few hundred, altered out of recognition?” [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## 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 humans have drastically changed in a short time compared to evolutionary scales. **In simple terms:** Humans changed quickly. Key Takeaway Consider humanity’s impact on evolution. Themes evolution human impact time scales Mood reflective inquisitive Type philosophical environmental When to use this quote - environmental policy - technological development - education - philosophical debate Key Concepts Anthropocene species adaptation Questions to Reflect On - How do we measure rapid change? - What responsibilities arise from swift evolution? A Different Perspective Human change is limited by biology and culture. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Altered Recognition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/altered-recognition-2204476/) [Evolution](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evolution/) [Fish Reptile](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fish-reptile-2204474/) [Fishes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fishes/) [Hundred](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hundred/) [Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/men/) [Million years](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/million-years/) [Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Recognition](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/recognition/) [Reptile](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reptile/) [Reptile Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reptile-man-2204475/) [Reptiles](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reptiles/) [Years](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/years/) ## Related quotes > [Nice creepy reptile,” Frank said, very aware of the driftwood in his coat pocket. “Nice poisonous, fire-breathing reptile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-riordan/nice-creepy-reptile-frank-said-very-aware-of-the-driftwood-in-his/) [Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-riordan/) > [Sits like a man, but smiles like a reptile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-bowie/sits-like-a-man-but-smiles-like-a-reptile/) [David Bowie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-bowie/) > [When the reptile is attacked at one mouth of his burrow, he shows himself at another.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/when-the-reptile-is-attacked-at-one-mouth-of-his-burrow-he-shows/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [When I take my kids to the zoo in Los Angeles, they always look the longest at the creature that moves the least -…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/julian-sands/when-i-take-my-kids-to-the-zoo-in-los-angeles-they-always-look-the/) [Julian Sands](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/julian-sands/) > [My girlfriend thinks I look like a reptile - it's not the best.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/andy-murray/my-girlfriend-thinks-i-look-like-a-reptile-it-s-not-the-best/) [Andy Murray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/andy-murray/) > [“If you truly believe love conquers all try to give a kiss to a rattlesnake..”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erik-tanghe/if-you-truly-believe-love-conquers-all-try-to-give-a-kiss-to-a/) [Erik Tanghe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erik-tanghe/) > [“I feel more human when I compare the cuteness of a lizard to a newborn child's sweetness. Both are God's creations filled with precious…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/munia-khan/i-feel-more-human-when-i-compare-the-cuteness-of-a-lizard-to-a/) [Munia Khan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/munia-khan/) > [Hiccup: Thank You For Nothing You Stupid Reptile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cressida-cowell/hiccup-thank-you-for-nothing-you-stupid-reptile/) [Cressida Cowell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cressida-cowell/) > [If the rabble continues to occupy itself with you, then simply don't read that hogwash, but rather leave it for the reptile from whom…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-einstein/if-the-rabble-continues-to-occupy-itself-with-you-then-simply-don-t/) [Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-einstein/) > [FROG, n. A reptile with edible legs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ambrose-bierce/frog-n-a-reptile-with-edible-legs/) [Ambrose Bierce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ambrose-bierce/) > [We’re only human.” “One of us, anyway. The other’s a reptile.” “Harsh, Annabelle. Very harsh.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-elizabeth-phillips/we-re-only-human-one-of-us-anyway-the-other-s-a-reptile-harsh/) [Susan Elizabeth Phillips](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-elizabeth-phillips/) > [Love is like a reptile, you cut off its tail and it grows another one." Kiss Me Judas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/will-christopher-baer/love-is-like-a-reptile-you-cut-off-its-tail-and-it-grows-another-one/) [Will Christopher Baer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/will-christopher-baer/) > [Sometimes it is good to fall down so that we can see whether we honourably get up or disgracefully turn into a miserable reptile!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/sometimes-it-is-good-to-fall-down-so-that-we-can-see-whether-we/) [Mehmet Murat Ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [“And when I look again she seems neither bird nor reptile, but a creature shaped by a million years of evolution for a life…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-macdonald/and-when-i-look-again-she-seems-neither-bird-nor-reptile-but-a/) [Helen Macdonald](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-macdonald/) > [Who are you?" Violet asked. It is confusing to fall asleep in the daytime and wake up at night. "what are you doing with…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/who-are-you-violet-asked-it-is-confusing-to-fall-asleep-in-the/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More by Anonymous > [And a tear rolled down her cheek, as she said goodbye; because she's walking away, and she's never looking back](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/and-a-tear-rolled-down-her-cheek-as-she-said-goodbye-because-she-s/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Life is full of change. That's how we learn and grow.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/life-is-full-of-change-that-s-how-we-learn-and-grow/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [You'll seldom experience regret for anything that you've done. It is what you haven't done that will torment you. The message, therefore, is clear.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/you-ll-seldom-experience-regret-for-anything-that-you-ve-done-it-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Scrabble - The game is available in Braille. That’s a nice fact. This makes me feel better about humanity for some reason. I can’t…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/scrabble-the-game-is-available-in-braille-that-s-a-nice-fact-this/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Everyone needs someone to love, and I choose you.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/everyone-needs-someone-to-love-and-i-choose-you/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“THIS tale of my sore-troubled life I write,    To thank the God of nature, who conveyed    My soul to me, and with such care…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/this-tale-of-my-sore-troubled-life-i-write-to-thank-the-god-of-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Put on my J's and dance the whole night away Im naughty by nature like Im hip-hop hooray With my hands in the sky,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/put-on-my-j-s-and-dance-the-whole-night-away-im-naughty-by-nature/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Me.. I have been through a lot, but I still manage to have a smile on my face. Im not worried about the past…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/me-i-have-been-through-a-lot-but-i-still-manage-to-have-a-smile-on-my/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Distance is a test of love. many will fail for those who can't withstand it, but for those who can, theres only one answer…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/distance-is-a-test-of-love-many-will-fail-for-those-who-can-t/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Im sorry I ever tried...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/im-sorry-i-ever-tried/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Being betrayed by the one you love is the worst feeling in the world...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/being-betrayed-by-the-one-you-love-is-the-worst-feeling-in-the-world/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Let children support their parents or be imprisoned.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/let-children-support-their-parents-or-be-imprisoned/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The only person I've ever purposely caused pain here is myself...By simply sharing, caring too much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-only-person-i-ve-ever-purposely-caused-pain-here-is-myself-by/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Start a business, not a startup”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/start-a-business-not-a-startup/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [The truth is, of course, that the curtness of the Ten Commandments is an evidence, not of the gloom and narrowness of a religion,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/the-truth-is-of-course-that-the-curtness-of-the-ten-commandments-is/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Explore all 162,899 Anonymous quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) ## More Evolution quotes > [I rap when I'm rich. I rap when I'm broke. I rap when I'm bullshit in the street. I rap about only having one…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/killer-mike/i-rap-when-i-m-rich-i-rap-when-i-m-broke-i-rap-when-i-m-bullshit-in/) [Killer Mike](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/killer-mike/) > [At the deepest level, all living things that have ever been looked at have the same DNA code. And many of the same genes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-dawkins/at-the-deepest-level-all-living-things-that-have-ever-been-looked-at/) [Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-dawkins/) > [“A question for Christians who accept evolution: When did we gain a "soul"? Did Homo habilis have a soul? Homo ergaster? Did God only…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/david-g-mcafee/a-question-for-christians-who-accept-evolution-when-did-we-gain-a/) [David G. McAfee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-g-mcafee/) > [If the polymer chain assumes a helicoidal conformation in the crystalline state, and if it does not contain asymmetric carbon atoms, it can be…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/giulio-natta/if-the-polymer-chain-assumes-a-helicoidal-conformation-in-the/) [Giulio Natta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/giulio-natta/) > [“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/) > [Guns have little or nothing to do with juvenile violence. The causes of youth violence are working parents who put their kids into daycare,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-delay/guns-have-little-or-nothing-to-do-with-juvenile-violence-the-causes/) [Tom DeLay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-delay/) > [The fact -- not theory -- that evolution has occurred and the Darwinian theory as to how it occurred have become so confused in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-gaylord-simpson/the-fact-not-theory-that-evolution-has-occurred-and-the-darwinian/) [George Gaylord Simpson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-gaylord-simpson/) > [Perhaps no order of mammals presents us with so extraordinary a series of gradations as this \[step by step, from humans to apes to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/thomas-huxley/perhaps-no-order-of-mammals-presents-us-with-so-extraordinary-a/) [Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-huxley/) > [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/) > [The true nature of soul is right knowledge, right faith and right conduct. The soul, so long as it is subject to transmigration, is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/virchand-gandhi/the-true-nature-of-soul-is-right-knowledge-right-faith-and-right/) [Virchand Gandhi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/virchand-gandhi/) > [“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/) > [The shelves of many evangelicals are full of books that point out the flaws in evolution, discuss it only as a theory, and almost…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francis-collins/the-shelves-of-many-evangelicals-are-full-of-books-that-point-out-the/) [Francis Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francis-collins/) > [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/) > [The next evolution of content marketing is not more content; it's better distribution.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/chris-penn/the-next-evolution-of-content-marketing-is-not-more-content-it-s/) [Chris Penn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/chris-penn/) [Browse all 6,185 Evolution quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evolution/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "If it takes a million years for a fish to become a reptile, has Man, in our few hundred, altered out of recognition?", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Anonymous" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-it-takes-a-million-years-for-a-fish-to-become-a-reptile-has-man-in/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Evolution" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-it-takes-a-million-years-for-a-fish-to-become-a-reptile-has-man-in/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/976/anonymous-1_fishes_if-it-takes-a-million-years-for-a-fish-t_1012023.jpg", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/976/anonymous-1_fishes_if-it-takes-a-million-years-for-a-fish-t_1012023.jpg", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/976/anonymous-1_fishes_if-it-takes-a-million-years-for-a-fish-t_1012023.jpg", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“If it takes a million years for a fish to become a reptile, has Man, in our few hundred, altered out of…” — Anonymous", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Anonymous", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "If it takes a million years...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-it-takes-a-million-years-for-a-fish-to-become-a-reptile-has-man-in/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/if-it-takes-a-million-years-for-a-fish-to-become-a-reptile-has-man-in/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```