If religion and science could be united on the common ground of biological conservation, the problem would be soon solved. If there is any moral precept shared by people of all beliefs, it is that we owe ourselves and future generations a beautiful, rich, and healthful environment.

What we need is an electronic encyclopedia of life, with one page for each species. On each page is given everything known about that species.

Far more important throughout the rest of science is the ability to form concepts, during which the researcher conjures images and processes by intuition.

In science, obsessiveness under psychological control can be a virtue.

Hands-on experience at the critical time, not systematic knowledge, is what counts in the making of a naturalist. Better to be an untutored savage for a while, not to know the names or anatomical detail. Better to spend stretches of time just searching and dreaming.

In the end ... success or failure will come down to an ethical decision, one on which those now living will be judged for generations to come.

I'm very much a Christian in ideals and ethics, especially in terms of belief in fairness, a deep set obligation to others, and the virtues of charity, tolerance and generosity that we associate with traditional Christian teaching.