Biologist Quote by John B. S. Haldane
“Teleology is like a mistress to a biologist: he cannot live without her but he's unwilling to be seen with her in public.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Life of the Cell," 1925
Biology relies on teleology as an unseen guide, yet scientists avoid openly acknowledging it.
In simple terms: Science uses purpose but hides it.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden assumptions in scientific reasoning.
Themes
philosophy
science
methodology
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research design
- academic writing
- science education
Key Concepts
teleology
epistemology
scientific bias
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it possible to study biology without invoking purpose?
- How does acknowledging teleology affect scientific objectivity?
A Different Perspective
Some argue teleology is unnecessary for rigorous science.
![“By profession a biologist, [Thomas Henry Huxley] covered in fact the whole field of the exact sciences, and then bulged through its four fences. Absolutely nothing was uninteresting to him. His curiosity ranged from music to theology and from philosophy to history. He didn't simply know something…” quote by H. L. Mencken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f46/h-l-mencken-245_absolutely-nothing_by-profession-a-biologist-thomas-henry-h_5368.jpg)
