The central task of science is to arrive, stage by stage, at a clearer comprehension of nature, but this does not at all mean, as it is sometimes claimed to mean, a search for mastery over nature. – Lewis Thomas
Survival, in the cool economics of biology, means simply the persistence of ones own genes in the generations to follow. – Lewis Thomas
We are, perhaps, uniquely among the earths creatures, the worrying animal. We worry away our lives, fearing the future, discontent with the present, unable to take in the idea of dying, unable to sit still. – Lewis Thomas
Statistically, the probability of any of us being here is so small that youd think the mere fact of existing would keep us all in contented dazzlement of surprise. – Lewis Thomas