Kirk Johnson (scientist)

Kirk Johnson

Kirk R. Johnson (born 1960) is an American paleontologist, author, curator, and museum administrator.

Quotes

• It has been science that has greatly accelerated the human endeavor over the last few centuries and it will be science that will meet the challenges of the present century.
  • "Inspiring Positive Change", Leaders magazine

• I am stubbornly optimistic and that helps me take on challenges of all sizes. During my life, I have witnessed breathtaking scientific discoveries and situations where single individuals have driven positive change. I am also a big believer in the power of teams and the ability of small groups of committed people to achieve great things.
  • "Inspiring Positive Change", Leaders magazine

• “Most people think about, at most, an election cycle,” he says. That can lead to shortsightedness on issues such as climate change: “How do we, as humans with our rapidly growing populations, not destroy all the natural ecosystems?” he wonders.
  • "The people's paleontologist: Kirk Johnson '78", Lakeside School (May 2015)

• Once you see what science is, then there's no stopping you. If you have curiosity, if you keep your childhood curiosity, then every day is amazing.
  • "The Smithsonian's Kirk Johnson: Living Out a Childhood Love For Natural History and Its Museums", Science Blogs (October 1, 2014)