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All time Quote by Mark Twain

“Evolution is the law of policies: Darwin said it, Socrates endorsed it, Cuvier proved it and established it for all time in his paper on The Survival of the Fittest. These are illustrious names, this is a mighty doctrine: nothing can ever remove it from its firm base, nothing dissolve it, but…” quote by Mark Twain
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“Evolution is the law of policies: Darwin said it, Socrates endorsed it, Cuvier proved it and established it for all time in his paper on The Survival of the Fittest. These are illustrious names, this is a mighty doctrine: nothing can ever remove it from its firm base, nothing dissolve it, but evolution.”

Mark Twain

About This Quote

Source Speech: Essay on Evolution, 1885

The quote conflates natural selection with policy making, suggesting immutable laws govern societal rules.

In simple terms: Evolutionary ideas applied to policy are seen as unchangeable.

Key Takeaway

Treat policy as adaptable, not fixed.

Themes

policy evolution change authority

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • government reform
  • organizational change
  • education curricula

Key Concepts

natural selection social dynamics philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate scientific law from social policy?
  • Can policies evolve without losing core principles?
A Different Perspective

Policies can be revised despite perceived permanence.

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