George C. Williams

“Evolutionary biologists have failed to realize that they work with two more or less incommensurable domains: that of information and that of matter.”

“The idea that the sick should be cured is a modern, and in some ways a biologically absurd, idea.”

“In explaining adaptation, one should assume the adequacy of the simplest form of natural selection... unless the evidence clearly shows that this theory does not suffice.”

“Is it not reasonable to anticipate that our understanding of the human body will be greatly enriched by knowledge of the expectation that natural selection has built into our design?”

“Only by a theory of the costs of meiosis and recombination can we hope to understand the ultimate function of sexual reproduction.”

“A frequent practice is to use the term 'function' to mean 'effect,' and 'adaptation' to mean 'advantageous attribute.'”

“This book is a rejoinder to the many writers who have proclaimed that natural selection is a force for the good of the species.”

“I regard it as unfortunate that the theory of natural selection was first developed as an explanation for evolutionary change. It is much more important as an explanation for the maintenance of adaptation.”

“My position is that adaptation is a special and onerous concept that should be used only where it is really necessary.”

“Morality, for all its sublime pretensions, is a biological adaptation.”

“The differential survival of the fittest may be a tautology, but the differential survival of the adapted is a profound truth.”