The Mismeasure Of Man

“Focus on those small, but fascinating, details that can pique people’s interest and illustrate generalities far better than overt and tendentious discussion.” 

By 1981, Gould had accrued substantial experience in writing science for popular audiences, and this formula of focusing on interesting details is a guiding tenant in his selection of chapter subjects. Moreover, his chapter on factor analysis proves how successful this strategy was in earlier chapters.

“We pass through this world but once. Few tragedies can be more extensive than the stunting of life, few injustices deeper than the denial of an opportunity to strive or even to hope, by a limit imposed from without, but falsely identified as lying within.”

This quote encapsulates Gould’s deep and personal commitment to debunking an unjust, racist theory that has resulted in lifetimes of denied opportunities.

“Science, since people must do it, is a socially embedded activity.” 

Gould has an interesting take on science, not as an objective exploration of the natural world, but as a uniquely human endeavor that is driven by social contexts, beliefs, feelings, emotions, and relationships.