Biology Quote by John Maynard Smith
“Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is the only workable explanation that has ever been proposed for the remarkable fact of our own existence, indeed the existence of all life wherever it may turn up in the universe.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: Evolutionary Biology, 1970s
The quote argues that natural selection uniquely explains life's existence, including humanity, across the universe.
In simple terms: Natural selection best explains life’s existence.
Key Takeaway
Consider evolution when pondering life's origins.
Themes
biology
existence
explanations
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- scientific debate
- education
- philosophical inquiry
Key Concepts
natural selection
cosmic perspective
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect your sense of purpose?
- What evidence strengthens this claim?
A Different Perspective
Other theories also address existence, but may lack empirical support.
![“This argument [that life is too improbable to have arisen by chance] comes up repeatedly: its latest manifestation is Hoyle's discussion of the likelihood of a wind blowing through a junkyard assembling a Boeing 707 [sic]. What is wrong with it? Essentially, it is that no biologist imagines that…” quote by John Maynard Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8b2/john-maynard-smith-28856_argument_this-argument-that-life-is-too-improbabl_1662785.jpg)
