Ability Quote by Neil deGrasse Tyson
“Let's say intelligence is your ability to compose poetry, symphonies, do art, math and science. Chimps can't do any of that, yet we share 99 percent DNA. Everything that we are, that distinguishes us from chimps, emerges from that one-percent difference.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Science and Humanity, 2015
Intelligence, measured by creative and analytical abilities, stems from a tiny genetic difference that separates humans from chimps.
In simple terms: Human creativity comes from a small DNA gap.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate and value diverse intelligences.
Themes
creativity
human uniqueness
genetics
science
art
Mood
wonder
inquisitive
inspirational
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- education
- innovation
- interdisciplinary collaboration
- public outreach
Key Concepts
cognitive evolution
neuroscience
cultural development
Questions to Reflect On
- How does culture amplify the one‑percent genetic gap?
- Can we nurture intelligence beyond biology?
A Different Perspective
Genetic differences are only part of the story; environment and culture shape intelligence.
![“[Professor Kinnerton] Has the fact that we have about 97 percent of our DNA in common with chimpanzees escaped you? How can you still argue we are special and have a soul when we are so obviously animals? ... [Al Gleeson] With due respect sir, the 97 percent is precisely the problem. Are…” quote by Peter Kazmaier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/184/peter-kazmaier-80089_quote_professor-kinnerton-has-the-fact-that-we_1191680.jpg)
![“They [scientists of centuries past] call on God only from the lonely and precarious edge of incomprehension. Where they feel certain about their explanations, however, God gets hardly a mention.” quote by Neil deGrasse Tyson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0b0/neil-degrasse-tyson-143_century_they-scientists-of-centuries-past-call-o_12921.jpg)
