"The first zucchini I ever saw I killed it with a hoe."
About John Gould
John Gould — Life and Legacy
John Gould, a prominent 19th-century ornithologist, is best known for his extensive studies and illustrations of birds, which played a crucial role in advancing ornithology. His work, particularly 'The Birds of Australia', not only documented numerous species but also highlighted the intricate beauty of avian life. Gould's approach combined scientific rigor with artistic flair, demonstrating that careful observation could yield profound insights into the natural world. One of his notable quotes reflects this ethos: he stated that observing nature is essential to understanding it, emphasizing the need for patience and attention to detail. This perspective challenged the prevailing attitudes of his time, which often overlooked the aesthetic dimensions of scientific study. Gould's legacy endures, as his illustrations continue to inspire both scientists and artists, reminding us of the interconnectedness of beauty and knowledge in the study of nature. His work remains a testament to the power of observation and the importance of appreciating the natural world in all its complexity.
Quote collection
John Gould quotes
8 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"At the time the world was all upside down. The American people were beginning to move around a lot. The old hometown ties had been pretty much broken. The theme of Farmer Takes a Wife appealed to people. Everybody was homesick. And it sold and sold and sold."
"I don't read anything anymore. I don't have the eyesight. I read my own copy, that's all. I think I've read everything that's worth reading."
"Every sky with its varied tints and every feather of each bird were coloured by hand; and when it is considered that nearly two hundred and eighty thousand illustrations in the present work have been so treated, it will most likely cause some astonishment to those who give the subject a thought."
"A lecture is an occasion when you numb one end to benefit the other."
"I dont think a really good pie can be made without a dozen or so children peeking over your shoulder as you stoop to look in at it every little while."
"Freud wrote a book on the essence of humor, but he didn't know what he was talking about. Max Eastman wrote a book, The Enjoyment of Laughter, that was a much better book, but nobody bothered to read it."
"What I love about the currawongs is the way in which they appear from nowhere and, for a brief period, rule the garden's soundscape, only to disappear as quickly as they arrived."