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About this quote

What does it mean?
Gould compares evolution to an obstacle course rather than a straight path, emphasizing complexity and adaptation over simple progress.
In plain terms
Evolution is messy and full of obstacles, not a smooth ride to perfection.
What can you take from it?
Expect complexity and detours in long-term success.

Where it applies

  • career planning
  • innovation
  • personal growth

Putting it to work

  • plan for setbacks
  • adapt to obstacles
  • focus on endurance

Questions to consider

  • Is your path straight or full of detours?
  • How do you handle unexpected obstacles?

Another view

Some systems do follow smoother, more predictable paths.

More from Stephen Jay Gould

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  2. Perhaps I am just a hopeless rationalist, but isn't fascination as comforting as solace? Isn't nature immeasurably more interesting for its complexities and it…

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  3. I am not [:] asserting that humans are either genial or aggressive by inborn biological necessity. Obviously, both kindness and violence lie within the bounds …

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