Charles Darwin

1809 - 1882 *

by revolutionising the field of biology, Darwin had an immesurable impact on science, philosophy, and literature from the nineteenth century on

British naturalist, who revolutionized the science of biology by his demonstration of evolution by natural selection. Darwin's ON THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES BY MEANS OF NATURAL SELECTION, OR THE PRESERVATION OF FAVORED RACES IN THE STRUGGLE OF LIFE, was published on November 24, 1859, and sold out immediately. It was followed by five more editions in his lifetime. The expression "survival of the fittest" did not originate from Darwin's work. Herbert Spencer had already used it in his books about evolutionary philosophy. Though he later described our common ancestor as "a hairy quadruped, furnished ... [read entire biography]

          Source: Petri Liukkonen

These essays offer analysis of the author's life and works. Many of them have been submitted by users, and are assigned an Editorial Rating on a scale from one to five stars to assist you in evaluating their worth. See also: Note on Essays, Editorial Policy.

     

Charles Darwin: A Synopsis of Works and Study -- Darwin's Major works and their relations to Philosophy, Theology and Literature.
By Dwaipayan Banerjee, Undergraduate Student	Editorial Rating:

     

No links about this author have been added yet. Our database is growing rapidly -- check back soon!

     

Soon shall thy arm, unconquer'd steam! afar
Drag the slow barge, or drive the rapid car;
Or on wide-waving wings expanded bear
The flying chariot through the field of air. -- The Botanic Garden. Part i. Canto i. Line 289.

Erasmus Darwin

No radiant pearl which crested Fortune wears,
No gem that twinkling hangs from Beauty's ears,
Not the bright stars which Night's blue arch adorn,
Nor rising suns that gild the vernal morn,
Shine with such lustre as the tear that flows
Down Virtue's manly cheek for others' woes. -- The Botanic Garden. Part ii. Canto iii. Line 459.

Erasmus Darwin

I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term Natural Selection. -- The Origin of Species. Chap. iii.

Charles Robert Darwin

We will now discuss in a little more detail the Struggle for Existence. -- The Origin of Species. Chap. iii.

Charles Robert Darwin

The expression often used by Mr. Herbert Spencer of the Survival of the Fittest is more accurate, and is sometimes equally convenient. -- The Origin of Species. Chap. iii.

Charles Robert Darwin

Physiological experiment on animals is justifiable for real investigation, but not for mere damnable and detestable curiosity. -- Letter to E. Ray Lankester.

Charles Robert Darwin

I love fools' experiments. I am always making them. -- Remark cited in “Life.”

Charles Robert Darwin

As for a future life, every man must judge for himself between conflicting vague probabilities. -- From Life and Letters.

Charles Robert Darwin

Believing as I do that man in the distant future will be a far more perfect creature than he now is, it is an intolerable thought that he and all other sentient beings are doomed to complete annihilation after such long-continued slow progress. To those who fully admit the immortality of the human soul, the destruction of our world will not appear so dreadful. -- From Life and Letters.

Charles Robert Darwin

More quotes by this author are available...

Additional searches

Darwin at Encarta Encyclopedia

Darwin at Britannica Encyclopedia

Darwin at Xrefer.com