Bacteria Quote by Isaac Asimov
“Intelligence is a valuable thing, but it is not usually the key to survival. Sheer fecundity ... usually counts. The intelligent gorilla doesn't do as well as the less intelligent but more-fecund rat, which doesn't do as well as the still-less-intelligent but still-more-fecund cockroach, which doesn't do as well as the minimally-intelligent but maximally-fecund bacterium.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov, 1952
Intelligence alone rarely ensures survival; reproductive success often matters more for species persistence.
In simple terms: Being smart isn’t always enough to survive.
Key Takeaway
Focus on adaptability and reproduction.
Themes
evival
reproduction
evolution
biology
intelligence
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- species competition
- ecosystem dynamics
- human advancement
- conservation biology
Key Concepts
Natural selection
fitness
population dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does reproductive rate affect a species’ long‑term success?
- Can intelligence compensate for low fecundity?
A Different Perspective
Intelligence can be outweighed by sheer numbers in many contexts.
![“Rather than something like King Kong where I really went after studying gorillas in the wild and captivity. I based Caesar [ from the Rise of the Planet of the Apes] on a real chimpanzee and I worked with Terry [Notary] on a lot of chimpanzee movement.” quote by Andy Serkis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f09/andy-serkis-1548_apes_rather-than-something-like-king-kong-whe_234956.jpg)
