Barbara McClintock

"I found my greatest strength in my commitment to truth."

"The pursuit of knowledge is the highest form of freedom."

"I learned that success in science requires a willingness to be wrong."

"Every observation, however small, contributes to the larger understanding."

"The work of discovery is never finished; there is always more to see."

"I devoted myself to understanding the language of the genes."

"The most beautiful truths are often hidden in the smallest details."

"The real mystery is why we don't understand the importance of what we see every day."

"Develop your senses - especially learn how to see. All knowledge comes through observation."

"A goal for life is rather important. It has to be something that holds your interest."

"I found that corn plants were doing things I could not explain. That's when the adventure began."

"You must have the courage to trust your own observations and insights."

"The more we know, the more we realize how much we don't know."

"Nature has a way of revealing itself if you pay close enough attention."

"I become physically ill when I am disturbed by something I've observed."

"Every new discovery begins with careful observation and patient waiting."

"The chromosomes seemed to be right in front of my eyes, I could see them change."

"One must await the right moment to act, but one must act when the moment comes."

"Science requires an absolute dedication to truth-seeking above all else."

"I have never been interested in accepting anything on faith alone."

"The most important thing is to develop your own way of seeing."

"If you know you are on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge, then nobody can turn you around."

"Life's work must be something that engages your deepest passions."

"To be a good scientist, you must be willing to look foolish."

"Observation alone is not enough - you must think about what you see."

"I stress to young scientists the importance of looking at nature with fresh eyes."

"The small, the minute, the invisible - these are where truth hides."

"One cannot be a successful scientist without understanding the beauty of form."

"I have learned that the most important discoveries come when you least expect them."

"Never stop questioning what you observe in nature."