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William Bateson Quotes

When students of other sciences ask us what is now currently believed about the origin of species, we have no clear answer to give. Faith has given way to agnosticism. Meanwhile, though our faith in evolution stands

When students of other sciences ask us what is now currently believed about the origin of species, we have no clear answer to give. Faith has given way to agnosticism. Meanwhile, though our faith in evolution stands unshaken we have no acceptable account of the origin of species.

William Bateson
Giving, Answers, Way

If I may throw out a word of counsel to beginners, it is: Treasure your exceptions! When there are none, the work gets so dull that no one cares to carry it further. Keep them always uncovered and in sight. Exceptions are like the rough brickwork of a growing building which tells that there is more to come and shows where the next construction is to be.

William Bateson
Sight, Beginners, Growing
William Bateson, Beatrice Durham Bateson (1928). “William Bateson, F. R. S., Naturalist: His Essays & Addresses, Together with a Short Account of His Life”, p.324, CUP Archive

Treasure your exceptions.

William Bateson
Treasure, Exception
William Bateson, Beatrice Durham Bateson (1928). “William Bateson, F. R. S., Naturalist: His Essays & Addresses, Together with a Short Account of His Life”, p.324, CUP Archive

I would trust Shakespeare, but I would not trust a committee of Shakespeares.

William Bateson
Committees

Though we must hold to our faith in the evolution of species, there is little evidence as to how it has come about, and no clear proof that the process is continuing in any considerable degree at the present time.

William Bateson
Faith, Time, Degrees

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