“Theory of selection /…/ leaves untouched all that can be inferred from the existence of the conditions which make organic evolution possible: matter which lives, multiplies, and varies; an environment which possesses the marvellously complex constitution required to make these processes possible. /…/ it cannot produce either the original environment or the original living matter. These must be due either to luck or to contrivance; and, if they be due to luck, the luck (we must own) is great. How great we cannot say.”

—  Arthur James Balfour

Theism and humanism

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Arthur James Balfour photo
Arthur James Balfour 48
British Conservative politician and statesman 1848–1930

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