We know specific genes are turned on in specific cells, but we don't know to what extent this happens.

Why do we do basic research? To learn about ourselves.

It's easier to change what you do than people think it is. If you don't change, your field changes around you.

Biology will relate every human gene to the genes of other animals and bacteria, to this great chain of being.

The virtues of science are skepticism and independence of thought.

The interaction of the variation in our genes is what's responsible for lots of our attributes and vigor.

We haven't been able yet to determine in terms of genes what makes a human being a human and not another mammal.

Three billion bases of DNA sequence can be put on a single compact disc and one will be able to pull a CD out of one's pocket and say, 'Here is a human being; it's me!'

The community as a whole doesn't listen patiently to critics who adopt alternative viewpoints. Although the great lesson of history is that knowledge develops through the conflict of viewpoints.

Early on, it's good to develop the ability to write. Learning to write is a useful exercise, even if what you're writing about is not that relevant.

The human's place in the universe will be set in the scheme of evolution, the product of our biological inheritance.

I don’t think you remember me as well as I remember us

(Looking at the tree) Pity we haven't got a bit of rope.

As long as you keep secrets and suppress information, you are fundamentally at war with yourself.

Procrastination is the kidnapper of souls, and the recruiting-officer of Hell.

Only criminals and madmen walk into Central Park after midnight...or, occasionally, an actor. (Dark City Lights)

To equal a predecessor, one must have twice they worth.

Isn't privacy about keeping taboos in their place

Few men who have liberated themselves from the fear of God and the fear of death are yet able to liberate themselves from the fear of man.

I didn't have the equipment for the regular world of being a lawyer. I didn't have the imagination for that. I did have a funny kind of ambition, but I didn't know where to put it.

Confidence comes from seeing so many sides, angles, views, and tangents. Because when you do select an approach or direction, you are doing so with better/ more complete information.