"Complex, statistically improbable things are by their nature more difficult to explain than simple, statistically probable things."

Nature

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Insight & Reflection

This reflection on nature by Richard Dawkins resonates across generations. It highlights a fundamental truth about human nature: our continuous search for meaning in nature is what ultimately defines our character and our path forward.

About Richard Dawkins

Richard Dawkins is a British evolutionary biologist, zoologist, science communicator, noted atheist, and author. He is an emeritus fellow of New College, Oxford. In 1995 he was named the first Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science, a position he held until 2008, and is on the advisory board of the University of Austin. Dawkins has won several academic and writing awards, among them the 2005 Shakespeare Prize and the 2006 Lewis Thomas Prize. Presenting the latter, Paul Nurse said "In eloquent, evocative prose, Richard Dawkins conveys the certainty that, rather than diminishing the myriad beauties of the universe and extinguishing wonderment at its mysteries, science reveals truths that are yet more awe-inspiring than the mysteries they solve."

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More by Richard Dawkins

"Nothing is wrong with peace and love. It is all the more regrettable that so many of Christ's followers seem to disagree."

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"Isn't it sad to go to your grave without ever wondering why you were born? Who, with such a thought, would not spring from bed, eager to resume discovering the world and rejoicing to be part of it?"

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"If children understand that beliefs should be substantiated with evidence, as opposed to tradition, authority, revelation or faith, they will automatically work out for themselves that they are atheists."

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More about Nature

"I must confess that my imagination refuses to see any sort of submarine doing anything but suffocating its crew and floundering at sea."

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"We do not remember the passing of hours, but the resonance of moments. Such is the immutable nature of understanding — an essential principle for the reflective life."

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