---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: More about the selection theory: Jerne…"
description: "\"“More about the selection theory: Jerne meant that the Socratic idea of learning was a fitting analogy for 'the logical basis of the selective theories..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af8/niels-kaj-jerne-68208_analogy_more-about-the-selection-theory-jerne-me_3152658.jpg"
---

#  More about the selection theory: Jerne meant that the…

![“More about the selection theory: Jerne meant that the Socratic idea of learning was a fitting analogy for 'the logical basis of the selective theories of antibody formation': Can the truth (the capability to synthesize an antibody) be learned? If so, it must be assumed not to pre-exist; to be…” quote by Niels Kaj Jerne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af8/niels-kaj-jerne-68208_analogy_more-about-the-selection-theory-jerne-me_3152658.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af8/niels-kaj-jerne-68208_analogy_more-about-the-selection-theory-jerne-me_3152658.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/af8/niels-kaj-jerne-68208_analogy_more-about-the-selection-theory-jerne-me_3152658.jpg)

> ““More about the selection theory: Jerne meant that the Socratic idea of learning was a fitting analogy for 'the logical basis of the selective theories of antibody formation': Can the truth (the capability to synthesize an antibody) be learned? If so, it must be assumed not to pre-exist; to be learned, it must be acquired. We are thus confronted with the difficulty to which Socrates calls attention in Meno \[ ... \] namely, that it makes as little sense to search for what one does not know as to search for what one knows; what one knows, one cannot search for, since one knows it already, and what one does not know, one cannot search for, since one does not even know what to search for. Socrates resolves this difficulty by postulating that learning is nothing but recollection. The truth (the capability to synthesize an antibody) cannot be brought in, but was already inherent.””

Niels Kaj Jerne

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Learning is likened to recalling innate knowledge; antibodies are formed not by new creation but by uncovering pre‑existing potential.

**In simple terms:** Learning uncovers built‑in capacity.

Key Takeaway

Explore innate abilities before assuming new creation.

Themes

biology learning immunology philosophy

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive analytical

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

- medical education
- research design
- clinical diagnostics
- personal skill development

Key Concepts

innate potential recollection theory antibody formation

Questions to Reflect On

- Is every skill innate?
- How does this view affect scientific research?

A Different Perspective

Assumes all knowledge is pre‑existing, ignoring novel discovery.

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