When I worked on the polio vaccine, I had a theory. I guided each [experiment] by imagining myself in the phenomenon in which I was interested. The intuitive realm . . . the realm of the imagination guides my thinking.

If all insects disappeared, all life on earth would perish. If all humans disappeared, all life on earth would flourish.

In my view, art and the approach to life through art, using it as a vehicle for education and even for doing science is so vital that it is part of a great new revolution that is taking place. I believe we are entering a whole new epoch.

Life is an error-making and an error-correctin g process, and nature in marking man's papers will grade him for wisdom as measured both by survival and by the quality of life of those who survive.

My job is to help people see what I see. If it's of value, fine. And, if it's not of value, then at least I've done what I can do.

A wisdom deficit - fewer elders and even fewer people who listen to them.

The worst tragedy that could have befallen me was my success. I knew right away that I was through - cast out.