Sheep Kept Quote by Charles Darwin
““Youatt gives an excellent illustration of the effects of a course of selection which may be considered as unconscious, in so far that the breeders could never have expected, or even wished, to produce the result which ensued—namely, the production of the distinct strains. The two flocks of Leicester sheep kept by Mr. Buckley and Mr. Burgess, as Mr. Youatt remarks, "Have been purely bred from the original stock of Mr. Bakewell for upwards of fifty years. There is not a suspicion existing in the mind of any one at all acquainted with the subject that the owner of either of them has deviated in any one instance from the pure blood of Mr. Bakewell's flock, and yet the difference between the sheep possessed by these two gentlemen is so great that they have the appearance of being quite different varieties.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication by Charles Darwin, 1868
Illustrates how selective breeding unintentionally creates distinct varieties, showing unconscious evolutionary forces.
In simple terms: Unconscious selection can produce surprising differences.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden influences in outcomes.
Themes
evolution
selection
unconscious processes
genetics
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- animal breeding
- crop improvement
- business strategy
- education curriculum
Key Concepts
artificial selection
genetic drift
heritage
Questions to Reflect On
- What unintended results have you observed?
- How can we anticipate hidden effects?
A Different Perspective
Unconscious selection may overlook ethical concerns.
![“I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science…It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.” quote by Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/958/charles-darwin-507_bounds_i-am-quite-conscious-that-my-speculation_35382.jpg)
