Last time Quote by Edward O. Wilson
““Dawkins is an eloquent science journalist. What else is he? I mean journalism is a high and influential profession. But he’s not a scientist, he’s never done scientific research. My definition of a scientist is that you can complete the following sentence: ‘he or she has shown that…’ I don’t want to go on about this because he and I were friends. There is no debate between us because he’s not in the arena. I’m sorry he’s so upset. He could have distinguished himself by looking at the evidence, that’s what most science journalists do. When a journalist named Dawkins wrote a review in Prospect urging people not to read my book, I thought the last time I heard something like that I think it came from an 18th-century bishop.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2018
Critiques a science journalist for lacking original research, emphasizing the need for evidence‑based authority.
In simple terms: Science journalists should base claims on personal research.
Key Takeaway
Demand evidence before endorsing opinions.
Themes
journalism
science
credibility
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
explanatory
controversial
When to use this quote
- book reviews
- media criticism
- academic debate
Key Concepts
evidence
authority
expertise
Questions to Reflect On
- What defines a scientist versus a journalist?
- How should journalists handle controversial topics?
A Different Perspective
A journalist can still be valuable without being a researcher.