Evolution ... is opportunistic, hence unpredictable.
Ernst MayrRead
I always say, 'Let your experiment speak to you.' What I mean by that is I - actually, we, or, at least, I'm not smart enough, actually, to guess how nature is working, but by looking and doing the right experiments and paying close attention to the subtleties of it, you start to catch on.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Experiments reveal the truths of nature, guiding our understanding beyond mere assumptions.
Roderick Mackinnon's quote emphasizes the importance of experimentation in understanding the complexities of nature. Rather than relying solely on intellect or preconceived notions, he advocates for a hands-on approach, where careful observation and experimentation lead to insights about how the natural world operates.
Themes
ExperimentationNatureUnderstandingScienceObservation
In practice
Example use cases
A scientist presenting their research at a conference could open with this quote to emphasize the role of experiments in their findings.
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