Evolution Quote by Charles Lapworth
“Far be it from me to suggest that geologists should be reckless in their drafts upon the bank of Time; but nothing whatever is gained, and very much is lost, by persistent niggardliness in this direction.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Unknown, possibly a geological commentary
The author warns that excessive caution in geological work can lead to missed opportunities and loss, despite the desire to avoid risk.
In simple terms: Being too cautious can cause loss and missed gains.
Key Takeaway
Balance caution with proactive exploration.
Themes
science
risk
exploration
methodology
learning
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
practical
When to use this quote
- field research
- resource extraction
- academic study
Key Concepts
risk management
scientific progress
decision making
Questions to Reflect On
- How much risk is acceptable in scientific inquiry?
- What strategies can mitigate loss while staying proactive?
A Different Perspective
Excessive caution may lead to errors; overconfidence can be dangerous.
![“The course of the line we indicated as forming our grandest terrestrial fold [along the shores of Japan] returns upon itself. It is an endless fold, an endless band, the common possession of two sciences. It is geological in origin, geographical in effect. It is the wedding ring of geology and…” quote by Charles Lapworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/937/charles-lapworth-52504_band_the-course-of-the-line-we-indicated-as-f_937360.jpg)
![“All that comes above the surface [of the globe] lies within the province of Geography; all that comes below that surface lies inside the realm of Geology. The surface of the earth is that which, so to speak, divides them and at the same time 'binds them together in indissoluble union.' We may…” quote by Charles Lapworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5fb/charles-lapworth-52504_advice_all-that-comes-above-the-surface-of-the_1445498.jpg)
![“Nothing perhaps has so retarded the reception of the higher conclusions of Geology among men in general, as ... [the] instinctive parsimony of the human mind in matters where time is concerned.” quote by Charles Lapworth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/169/charles-lapworth-52504_concerned_nothing-perhaps-has-so-retarded-the-rece_2061407.jpg)
![“Perhaps no order of mammals presents us with so extraordinary a series of gradations as this [step by step, from humans to apes to monkeys to lemurs] - leading us insensibly from the crown and summit of the animal creation down to creatures, from which there is but a step, as it seems, to the…” quote by Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/thomas-huxley-1183_animal_perhaps-no-order-of-mammals-presents-us_3051.jpg)
