"We must also be permitted to bear in mind that evolution, though it may explain everything else, cannot explain itself"

Goldwin Smith's quote, "We need to likewise be permitted to remember that development, though it might discuss everything else, can not explain itself", discuss the philosophical and scientific discourse concerning the explanatory power of development and its restrictions. At its core, the statement highlights a paradox: while evolution functions as an extensive framework for comprehending biological variety, adjustment, and the development of life over time, it does not naturally offer insights into the origin of the very process itself or the fundamental factors for its presence.

The very first part of the quote acknowledges the tremendous explanatory power of the theory of advancement. Given that its formalization by Charles Darwin and subsequent corroboration through genetic research, development has been a cornerstone of modern biology. It provides descriptions for a wide variety of phenomena, from the anatomical resemblances amongst varied types to the adaptation of organisms to their environments. Evolutionary theory, through concepts like natural choice and hereditary drift, provides a cohesive story for how life in the world has diversified and adjusted over countless years.

However, the second part of the quote highlights a philosophical difficulty: the obvious limitations of development. While advancement can account for the development and adjustment of life once it has begun, it does not always explain the origins of life itself or the preliminary conditions that allowed the evolutionary process to begin. The quote invites reflection on the fundamental concerns of science and approach, such as the origin of the systems that drive development and the bigger existential concerns about why deep space is structured in a manner that allows evolutionary processes to take place.

In essence, Smith's quote can be deemed a call for humility and open inquiry within the scientific community. It motivates an acknowledgment of the boundaries of existing clinical understanding and an appreciation for the mystery and intricacy of the natural world. While development remains a powerful and unifying theory, it likewise leaves room for more expedition and discovery regarding the deeper questions of existence.