Barbara McClintock

"The basis for all true understanding and knowledge is the capacity to observe."

"I found that the more I looked at the little corn plant, the more there was to see."

"We must recognize that change and innovation always come as disturbances to the status quo."

"Science and art are not incompatible; they feed each other."

"A goal for life is to avoid ending up an old fogy. Keep your mind awake and active."

"The control of these corn plants required many years of work to develop."

"One must await the right time, or strike when the iron is hot, or the moment of truth."

"I have never been limited by anyone's concept of who I should be."

"We see only what we look at. To look is an act of choice."

"The material is the best teacher."

"Your assumptions about the material will guide what you see."

"One must trust the material; it will speak for itself."

"I was not going to be limited by fears of how things should be."

"The more you look, the more you see, and the more you understand."

"Keep your mind alive by remaining curious about life."

"Good science is determined by the asking of good questions."

"Innovation requires you to be willing to challenge existing assumptions."

"I think it is important to maintain enthusiasm and to keep your curiosity alive."

"Pay attention to the little things; they often reveal the biggest truths."

"You must look at each kernel; each one is an individual."

"The plant is speaking to those who can hear it."

"Never let anyone limit your potential for discovery."

"True understanding comes from patient observation and deep listening."

"The world rewards those who persist in the face of doubt."

"One must work with the material, not against it."

"I have had to learn to think in new ways."

"The pursuit of truth is the highest calling."

"Understanding requires us to set aside what we think we know."

"Be willing to go against the grain when you see the truth."

"Every organism has a story to tell if you listen carefully enough."