Chasms Quote by Francis Collins
![“The problem [with genetic research] is, we're just starting down this path, feeling our way in the dark. We have a small lantern in the form of a gene, but the lantern doesn't penetrate more than a couple of hundred feet. We don't know whether we're going to encounter chasms, rock walls or…” quote by Francis Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c43/francis-collins-5281_chasms_the-problem-with-genetic-research-is-we_1902398.jpg)
“The problem [with genetic research] is, we're just starting down this path, feeling our way in the dark. We have a small lantern in the form of a gene, but the lantern doesn't penetrate more than a couple of hundred feet. We don't know whether we're going to encounter chasms, rock walls or mountain ranges along the way. We don't even know how long the path is.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Remarks on Genetics Research, 2005
We are at the very beginning of understanding genetics, with limited insight and many unknown challenges ahead.
In simple terms: Genetics is early-stage, with many unknowns.
Key Takeaway
Proceed cautiously, invest in exploratory research.
Themes
science
uncertainty
exploration
Mood
cautious
inquisitive
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- medical research
- policy planning
- education
- funding decisions
Key Concepts
genomics
knowledge gaps
risk assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- What unknowns could most affect future breakthroughs?
- How can we balance optimism with realistic expectations?
A Different Perspective
Our limited tools may miss critical complexities, leading to misinterpretation.
![“[Decoding the human genome sequence] is the most significant undertaking that we have mounted so far in an organized way in all of science. I believe that reading our blueprints, cataloguing our own instruction book, will be judged by history as more significant than even splitting the atom or…” quote by Francis Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c6/francis-collins-5281_atoms_decoding-the-human-genome-sequence-is-th_15604.jpg)
![“As you kind of get over the anxiety about [science and evolution], it actually adds to your sense of awe about this amazing universe that we live in, it doesn't subtract from it at all.” quote by Francis Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/caa/francis-collins-5281_add_as-you-kind-of-get-over-the-anxiety-abou_75250.jpg)
