Lynn Margulis Quotes

A collection of quotes by Lynn Margulis.

Lynn Margulis (1938-2011) was an American biologist and co-founder of the endosymbiotic theory, which revolutionized the understanding of the origin of complex cells. She was born in Chicago and showed an early interest in science, studying zoology at the University of Chicago. Margulis later pursued her graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she specialized in evolution and genetics.

Margulis's groundbreaking work on endosymbiosis proposed that certain organelles within complex cells, such as mitochondria, originated from a symbiotic relationship between different types of organisms. Initially facing resistance from the scientific community, her theory eventually gained widespread acceptance and became a major milestone in evolutionary biology.

Throughout her career, Margulis made significant contributions to various fields, including microbiology, ecology, and evolutionary theory. She authored numerous scientific papers and wrote several influential books, such as "Symbiosis in Cell Evolution" and "Acquiring Genomes: A Theory of the Origins of Species." Her ideas challenged conventional wisdom, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and symbiosis in driving evolutionary processes.

Lynn Margulis received numerous accolades for her scientific achievements, including the National Medal of Science in 1999. Her work continues to inspire scientists and shape our understanding of the intricate relationships that underlie the complexity of life on Earth.

Evolution is no linear family tree, but change in the single

Evolution is no linear family tree, but change in the single multidimensional being that has grown to cover the entire surface of Earth.

Lynn Margulis

Science Gaia Hypothesis

Of course, the plea for respect for nonhuman life goes far b

Of course, the plea for respect for nonhuman life goes far beyond the scientific delight of familiarity with our planet mates. The nonhuman forms of life with which we 6,000 million talking, upright apes share this finite planet are directly or indirectly connected to our well-being.

Lynn Margulis

Respect

Despite our very recent appearance on the planet, humanity c

Despite our very recent appearance on the planet, humanity combines arrogance with increasing material demands, even as we become more numerous. Our toughness is a delusion. Have we the intelligence and discipline to vigilantly guard against our tendency to grow without limit?

Lynn Margulis

Intelligence

All living beings, not just animals, but plants and microorg

All living beings, not just animals, but plants and microorganisms, perceive. To survive, an organic being must perceive - it must seek, or at least recognize, food and avoid environmental danger.

Lynn Margulis

Environmental

There is no scientific reason to think that we, even with sp

There is no scientific reason to think that we, even with space travel, are going to survive as a species for ever, certainly not by biting off the hand that feeds us, which is exactly what we are doing.

Lynn Margulis

Travel