It might seem unfair to reward a person for having so much pleasure over the years, asking the maize plant to solve specific problems and then watching its responses.

Barbara McClintock

With the tools and the knowledge, I could turn a developing snail's egg into an elephant. It is not so much a matter of chemicals because snails and elephants do not differ that much; it is a matter of timing the action of genes.

Barbara McClintock

The prize is such an extraordinary honor. It might seem unfair, however, to reward a person for having so much pleasure over the years, asking the maize plant to solve specific problems and then watching its responses.

Barbara McClintock

I was just so interested in what I was doing I could hardly wait to get up in the morning and get at it. One of my friends, a geneticist, said I was a child, because only children can't wait to get up in the morning to get at what they want to do.

Barbara McClintock

I start with the seedling, and I don't want to leave it. I don't feel I really know the story if I don't watch the plant all the way along. So I know every plant in the field. I know them intimately, and I find it a real pleasure to know them.

Barbara McClintock

If you know you're right, you don't care. You know that sooner or later, it will come out in the wash. When asked about the long delay in recognition for her discovery.

Barbara McClintock

Every time I walk on grass, I feel sorry because I know the grass is screaming at me.

Barbara McClintock

Every component of the organism is as much of an organism as every other part.

Barbara McClintock

I know my corn plants intimately, and I find it a great pleasure to know them.

Barbara McClintock

I never thought of stopping, and I just hated sleeping. I can't imagine having a better life.

Barbara McClintock

If you know you are on the right track, if you have this inner knowledge, then nobody can turn you off... no matter what they say.

Barbara McClintock