Animal Quote by Richard Dawkins
“Five per cent vision is better than no vision at all. Five per cent hearing is better than no hearing at all. Five per cent flight efficiency is better than no flight at all. It is thoroughly believable that every organ or apparatus that we actually see is the product of a smooth trajectory through animal space, a trajectory in which every intermediate stage assisted survival and reproduction.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Selfish Gene, 1976
Even a small amount of capability or improvement is preferable to none, as it can still contribute to survival and progress.
In simple terms: Partial ability is better than none.
Key Takeaway
Value incremental gains.
Themes
progress
survival
evolution
incremental improvement
Mood
optimistic
pragmatic
Type
motivational
scientific
When to use this quote
- technology development
- personal skill building
- environmental conservation
Key Concepts
Evolutionary biology
adaptation
trade-offs
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we prioritize which small improvements to pursue?
- When do incremental gains become meaningful?
A Different Perspective
Limited improvements may still be insufficient for critical challenges.
