24 Ian Malcolm Quotes from the 'Jurassic Park' Films Filled with Wisdom

Ian Malcolm played a memorable role in the initial "Jurassic Park" bringing a voice of reason and wisdom that spread wider than the obsession with scientific power and making money. Read 24 of his quotes below to understand his perceptions better.

Ian Malcolm is one of the original "Jurassic Park" characters appearing in the first movie as well as two sequels, one of which is "The Lost World (1997)" where he plays the main character.

In the franchise's first film "Jurassic Park (1993)," he comes on as an accomplished scientist specializing in chaos theory. He is brought to the dinosaur theme park to evaluate its legitimacy. Of course, many know his skeptical and wise opinions on the park, which continue throughout the films. Read 24 quotes that explore his intelligent viewpoints and show off his witty and funny persona.

An image of Ian Malcolm with his quote: “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” | Source: Facebook.com/JurassicWorld

Warnings & Wisdom Quotes

“The history of evolution is that fife escapes all barriers. Life breaks free. Life expands to new territories.” ― Ian Malcolm

“It’s chaos theory. It deals with predictability in complex systems.” ― Ian Malcolm

“I’ll tell you the problem with the scientific power that you’re using here: it didn’t require any discipline to attain it.” ― Ian Malcolm

“Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should.” ― Ian Malcolm

“Genetic power’s the most awesome force the planet’s ever seen, but you wield it like a kid who’s found his dad’s gun.” ― Ian Malcolm

An image of Ian Malcolm with his quote: “Life is tenacious, Dr. Sattler. It will find a way.” | Source: Facebook.com/JurassicWorld

"Taking dinosaurs off this island is the worst idea in the long, sad history of bad ideas. And I'm gonna be there when you learn that." ― Ian Malcolm

"But, John, if the Pirates Of The Caribbean breaks down, the pirates don't eat the tourists." ― Ian Malcolm

“Life is tenacious, Dr. Sattler. It will find a way.” ― Ian Malcolm

"You know, at times like this one feels, well, perhaps extinct animals should be left extinct." ― Ian Malcolm

"Uh, the Doomsday clock might be about out of time, but, as they say, it's always darkest just before eternal nothingness." ― Ian Malcolm

An image of Ian Malcolm with his quote: “The lack of humility before nature that’s being displayed here, um, staggers me.” | Source: Facebook.com/JurassicWorld

“These creatures require our absence to survive, not our help.” ― Ian Malcolm

"Change is like death. You don't know what it looks like till you're standing at the gates." ― Ian Malcolm

“The lack of humility before nature that’s being displayed here, um, staggers me.” ― Ian Malcolm

"It's fine if you wanna put your name on something but stop putting it on other people's headstones." ― Ian Malcolm

An image of Ian Malcolm with his quote: "Change is like death. You don't know what it looks like till you're standing at the gates." | Source: Facebook.com/JurassicWorld

Funny Quotes from the Scientist

“You know, when you gotta go, you gotta go.” ― Ian Malcolm

"What have they got In there, King Kong?" ― Ian Malcolm

“I’m always on the lookout for the future ex-Mrs. Malcolm.” ― Ian Malcolm

“They say talent skips a generation. So, I'm sure your kids will be sharp as tacks.” ― Ian Malcolm

An image of Ian Malcolm with his quote: "What have they got In there, King Kong?" | Source: Facebook.com/JurassicWorld

"Boy, do I hate being right all the time." ― Ian Malcolm

"Must go faster." ― Ian Malcolm

More Chaotic Quotes

“Mommy’s very angry.” ― Ian Malcolm

"You did it. You crazy son of a [expletive], you did it." ― Ian Malcolm

An image of Ian Malcolm with his quote: “They say talent skips a generation. So, I'm sure your kids will be sharp as tacks.” | Source: Facebook.com/JurassicWorld

Since their beginning, the "Jurassic Park" films continue to ask questions about scientific progress and its relative power, the urge to fly high as the human race without thinking about the implications and placing money over wisdom. Malcolm's character always stood in the middle of this chaotic puzzle, unafraid to ask the difficult questions.

The character was played by Jeff Goldblum, who is only one of the many famous names who have taken on characters within the franchise over the years. This includes Laura Dern, Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Sam Neill, and many more.

Explore the wondrous and dangerous world of "Jurassic Park" by reading: 23 Jurassic World Quotes for the Adventure Lover in You.