When discussing organic evolution the only point of agreement seems to be: ‘It happened.’ Thereafter, there is little consensus, which at first sight must seem rather odd.

I am driven to observe of the ultra-Darwinists the following features as symptomatic. First, to my eyes, is their almost unbelievable self-assurance, their breezy self-confidence.

If one compares the sequence of amino acids that go to form the protein haemoglobin, it becomes apparent that humans and chimps are identical and do not differ in a single site.

The way Conway Morris goes about biting the hand that once fed him would make a shoal of piranha seem decorous.

By obtaining a sense of its place in the unfolding drama of life, set in an ecological theatre, so we can understand why it has become one of the leading players.

It is difficult to imagine evolution in alien planets operating in any manner other than Darwinian.

It is my opinion that human history can make no sense unless evil doings are recognized for what they are, and that they are bearable only if somehow they may be redeemed.

I am puzzled that Conway Morris apparently doesn't grasp the equally strong (and inevitable) personal preferences embedded in his own view of life.

Scientists don't believe anything.Scientists test things.

Richard Dawkins is arguably England's most pious atheist.

I would argue that in any habitable zone that doesn't boil or freeze, intelligent life is going to emerge because intelligence is convergent.

To be in peace, grow calmness and compassion in your heart.

A philosopher goes where the truth leads and has no patience with mere emotion.

I wouldn't say jamie is an evil genius. I'm not sure he's evil and I'm not sure he's a genius.

Climate change is the biggest governing challenge we face. It's the biggest governing challenge I think we've ever faced.

Whatever a guidebook says, wether or not you leave somewhere with a sense of the place is entirely a matter of smell and instinct.

It is as hard and severe a thing to be a true politician as to be truly moral.

Men cannot conceive of a state of things so fair that it cannot be realized.

Given that Mr. Kerry is clearly exaggerating what happened to minority voters in the 2000 election in Florida, maybe we should wait for him to provide evidence of what he is alleging in 2004.

I wake up in the morning and ask myself; is life worth living? Should I blast myself?

Oh yeah, that's the Holy Grail, Pirates of the Caribbean. Johnny Depp, he's the real deal, isn't he? He doesn't get the girl, and he doesn't care.