Biology Quote by Peter Agre
“Natural selection is not an inflammatory phrase; evolution is.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Nobel Lecture, Peter Agre, 2003
Evolutionary language can be harsh, but the scientific concept of natural selection is neutral and descriptive.
In simple terms: Evolution is neutral; language can be harsh.
Key Takeaway
Choose precise language when discussing science.
Themes
science communication
evolution
language
perception
bias
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
educational
informative
When to use this quote
- science education
- media reporting
- policy debates
- public outreach
Key Concepts
scientific terminology
public understanding
semantic framing
Questions to Reflect On
- How does wording affect public acceptance of scientific ideas?
- Can we separate scientific facts from emotional connotations?
A Different Perspective
Technical terms may be misunderstood by lay audiences.
![“The principle of natural selection is absolutely incompatible with the word of God. [It] contradicts the revealed relations of creation to its Creator.” quote by Samuel Wilberforce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e68/samuel-wilberforce-60185_creation_the-principle-of-natural-selection-is-ab_351008.jpg)
