Ronald Fisher quotes - page 2

Ronald Fisher was a British statistician, geneticist, and evolutionary biologist, widely regarded as one of the founders of modern statistical science. His contributions shaped the fields of experimental design, statistics, and population genetics. He played a pivotal role in developing key statistical methods and advancing our understanding of biological variation. Here are 33 of his quotes:

Faith Is Not Credulity.

Ronald Fisher

[We are now] in a position to judge of the validity of the objection which has been made, that the principle of Natural Selection depends on a succession of favourable chances. The objection is more in the nature of an innuendo than of a criticism, for it depends for its force upon the ambiguity of the word chance, in its popular uses. The income derived from a Casino by its proprietor may, in one sense, be said to depend upon a succession of favourable chances, although the phrase contains a suggestion of improbability more appropriate to the hopes of the patrons of his establishment. It is easy without any very profound logical analysis to perceive the difference between a succession of favourable deviations from the laws of chance, and on the other hand, the continuous and cumulative action of these laws. It is on the latter that the principle of Natural Selection relies.

Ronald Fisher

In scientific subjects, the natural remedy for dogmatism has been found in research. By temperament and training, the research worker is the antithesis of the pundit. What he is actively and constantly aware of is his ignorance, not his knowledge; the insufficiency of his concepts, of the terms and phrases in which he tries to excogitate his problems: not their final and exhaustive sufficiency. He is, therefore, usually only a good teacher for the few who wish to use their mind as a workshop, rather than a warehouse.

Ronald Fisher

In scientific subjects, the natural remedy for dogmatism has been found in research.

Ronald Fisher

I believe sanity and realism can be restored to the teaching of Mathematical Statistics most easily and directly by entrusting such teaching largely to men and women who have had personal experience of research in the Natural Sciences.

Ronald Fisher

A book that I rate only second in importance in evolution theory to Darwin's Origin (this as joined with its supplement Of Man), and also rate as undoubtedly one of the greatest books of the twentieth century.

Ronald Fisher

This is perhaps the most important book on evolutionary genetics ever written"

Ronald Fisher