I have always had a bad memory, as far back as I can remember.

It is from the progeny of this parent cell that we all take our looks; we still share genes around, and the resemblance of the enzymes of grasses to those of whales is in fact a family resemblance.

The capacity to blunder slightly is the real marvel of DNA. Without this special attribute, we would still be anaerobic bacteria and there would be no music.

Statistically, the probability of any one of us being here is so small that you'd think the mere fact of existing would keep us all in a contented dazzlement of surprise.

In real life, every field of science is incomplete, and most of them - whatever the record of accomplishment during the last 200 years - are still in their very earliest stages.

We owe our lives to the sun... How is it, then, that we feel no gratitude?

The greatest single achievement of nature to date was surely the invention of the molecule DNA.

It is in our genes to understand the universe if we can, to keep trying even if we cannot, and to be enchanted by the act of learning all the way.

I would send the complete works of Johann Sebastian Bach into outer space on the Voyager spacecraft. But that would be boasting.

Animals have genes for altruism, and those genes have been selected in the evolution of many creatures because of the advantage they confer for the continuing survival of the species.

We leave traces of ourselves wherever we go, on whatever we touch.

Sometimes the only path we can maneuver is from the bed to the bathroom. That's okay. Let your journey be what it is . Just keep moving.

Fearlessness is not only possible, it is the ultimate joy. When you touch nonfear, you are free.

Rare is the human being, immature or mature, who has never felt an impulse to pretend he is some one or something else.

The gentleman is solid mahogany; the fashionable man is only veneer.

Smart leaders believe only half of what they hear. Discerning leaders know which have to believe.

My work...is to shatter the faith of men here, there, and everywhere, faith in affirmation, faith in negation, and faith in abstention from faith, and this for the sake of faith in faith itself.

I made True Detective like it was going to be the only thing I ever made for television. So put in everything and the kitchen sink. Everything.

I would be really excellent in a horror film because I have a great scream. I'd be really good in a comedy too. I'm top, top, top quality.

A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.

I will sleep no more but arise, You oceans that have been calm within me! how I feel you, fathomless, stirring, preparing unprecedented waves and storms.