Equations Quote by Samuel Butler
“Whereas, to borrow an illustration from mathematics, life was formerly an equation of, say, 100 unknown quantities, it is now one of 99 only, inasmuch as memory and heredity have been shown to be one and the same thing.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Erewhon by Samuel Butler, 1872
Life used to be seen as many independent variables, but now genetics shows memory and heredity are the same factor, reducing complexity.
In simple terms: Memory and heredity are identical, simplifying life's variables.
Recognize the unity of genetics and memory.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- medical research
- education
- personal development
- family counseling
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this simplification affect our view of free will?
- What are the limits of equating memory with heredity?
This view may oversimplify complex traits and environmental influences.