The causes of life's history [cannot] resolve the riddle of life's meaning

The causes of life's history [cannot] resolve the riddle of life's meaning

Stephen Jay Gould, a renowned paleontologist and evolutionary biologist, was known for his groundbreaking work in the field of evolutionary theory. One of his most famous quotes, "The causes of life's history [cannot] resolve the riddle of life's meaning," encapsulates his belief that the scientific study of evolution can only explain the mechanisms by which life has evolved over time, but cannot provide answers to the deeper philosophical questions about the meaning and purpose of life.

Gould's perspective on the relationship between science and philosophy was shaped by his understanding of the limitations of scientific inquiry. While he acknowledged the importance of studying the natural world and uncovering the processes that have shaped life on Earth, he also recognized that science has its boundaries. The scientific method is based on empirical evidence and testable hypotheses, and as such, it is ill-equipped to address questions of meaning and purpose that lie outside the realm of observable phenomena.