Confessions-of-the-darwinists Quote by Richard Dawkins
““We can now assert with confidence that the theory that the Earth moves round the Sun not only is right for our time but will be right in all future times even if flat-Earthism happens to become revived and universally accepted in some new dark age of human history. We cannot quite say that Darwinism is in the same unassailable class. Respectable opposition to it can still be mounted, and it can be argued that the current high standing of Darwinism in educated minds may not last through all future generations. Darwin may be triumphant at the end of the twentieth century, but we must acknowledge the possibility that new facts may come to light which will force our successors of the twenty-first century to abandon Darwinism or modify it beyond recognition.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The God Delusion, 2006, Richard Dawkins discussing scientific theories
He argues that while heliocentrism is secure, Darwinism could be challenged by future discoveries
In simple terms: Darwinism may be revised despite current acceptance
Key Takeaway
Stay open to new evidence in science
Themes
science
philosophy
skepticism
evolution
knowledge
future
Mood
thoughtful
cautious
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- research funding
- academic debate
- public education
Key Concepts
Scientific method
theory revision
philosophical inquiry
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence could overturn current evolutionary theory?
- How should science handle deeply held beliefs?
A Different Perspective
Future paradigm shifts may be resisted by entrenched interests
![“[...] if truth be told, evolution hasn’t yielded many practical or commercial benefits. Yes, bacteria evolve drug resistance, and yes, we must take countermeasures, but beyond that there is not much to say. Evolution cannot help us predict what new vaccines to manufacture because microbes evolve…” quote by Jerry A. Coyne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/82a/jerry-a-coyne-13913_biology_if-truth-be-told-evolution-hasn-t-yielde_1623500.jpg)
