Consider the Lichen. Lichens are just about the hardiest visible organisms on Earth, but the least ambitious.

Consider the Lichen. Lichens are just about the hardiest visible organisms on Earth, but the least ambitious.

Strange as it may seem, wrote Richard Feynman, we understand the distribution of matter in the interior of the Sun far better than we understand the interior of the Earth.

Take a moment from time to time to remember that you are alive. I know this sounds a trifle obvious, but it is amazing how little time we take to remark upon this singular and gratifying fact. By the most astounding stroke of luck an infinitesimal portion of all the matter in the universe came together to create you and for the tiniest moment in the great span of eternity you have the incomparable privilege to exist.

Taxonomy is described sometimes as a science and sometimes as an art, but really it’s a battleground.

The first book I did - the first successful book - was a kind of a travel book, and publishers in Britain encouraged me to do more.

There are three stages in scientific discovery. First, people deny that it is true, then they deny that it is important; finally they credit the wrong person.