John Maynard
John Maynard
information generations genetics
Genetics is about how information is stored and transmitted between generations.
theory-of-evolution may facts
Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is the only workable explanation that has ever been proposed for the remarkable fact of our own existence, indeed the existence of all life wherever it may turn up in the universe.
careers risk problem
It is an occupational risk of biologists to claim, towards the end of their careers, that the problems which they have not solved are insoluble.
wind-blowing boeing steps
This argument [that life is too improbable to have arisen by chance] comes up repeatedly: its latest manifestation is Hoyle's discussion of the likelihood of a wind blowing through a junkyard assembling a Boeing 707 [sic]. What is wrong with it? Essentially, it is that no biologist imagines that complex structures arise in a single step.
information criteria certain
Information imposes certain criteria on how it can be stored.
sex evolution problem
The evolution of sex is the hardest problem in evolutionary biology.
waiting looks want
So far, we have been able to study only one evolving system and we cannot wait for interstellar flight to provide us with a second. If we want to discover generalizations about evolving systems, we will have to look at artificial ones.
mathematics easier clear
Mathematics is so much easier than words mathematics makes things clear that words merely muddle and confuse and mess up.
language
Language changes very fast.
criticism doe should
It is in the nature of science that once a position becomes orthodox it should be suggested to criticism.... It does not follow that, because a position is orthodox, it is wrong.
science action theory
Scientific theories tell us what is possible; myths tell us what is desirable. Both are needed to guide proper action.
evolution natural mathematics
Mathematics without natural history is sterile, but natural history without mathematics is muddled.
thinking games levels
Evolutionary game theory is a way of thinking about evolution at the phenotypic level when the fitnesses of particular phenotypes depend on their frequencies in the population.
long serious shame
I feel no shame at being found still owning a share when the bottom of the market comes…I would go much further than that. I should say that it is from time to time the duty of a serious investor to accept the depreciation of his holdings with equanimity and without reproaching himself. … An investor…should be aiming primarily at long-period results, and should be solely judged by these.