Charles Darwin

Charles Darwin Biography

Charles Robert Darwin (12 February 1809 – 19 April 1882) was a pioneering English naturalist, geologist, and biologist who forever transformed our understanding of life on earth through his theory of evolution by natural selection.

Born in Shrewsbury, England, Darwin studied at Edinburgh and Cambridge before serving as naturalist aboard HMS Beagle (1831–1836). His journey and detailed observations during The Voyage of the Beagle laid the groundwork for his later theories.

In 1859, he published On the Origin of Species, proposing natural selection as the mechanism for evolution. He later authored landmark works such as The Descent of Man (1871) and The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals, deeply influencing science and culture.

Trivia About Charles Darwin

• Darwin’s manuscripts, including HMS Beagle diaries, are now recognised by UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register (April 2025).
• He meticulously collected beetles at university and sent specimens to established entomologists.
• His personal library comprised over 7,500 titles, later reconstructed as “Darwin’s Library.”

Famous Quotes by Charles Darwin

• "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."
• "A man who dares to waste one hour of life has not discovered the value of life."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What did Darwin discover?

He proposed that species evolve over time through natural selection, a theory outlined in On the Origin of Species.

What was The Voyage of the Beagle?

A five-year scientific expedition (1831–1836) during which Darwin collected data and natural specimens that shaped his ideas on evolution.

Critical Reception & Influence

Darwin’s theory revolutionised biology, shaping fields from genetics to ecology. His work remains a foundational pillar of modern science.

Why This Author Still Matters

Darwin’s insights fundamentally altered how we see ourselves and our relationship with nature, influencing science, philosophy, and cultural thought worldwide.

Related Literary Movements

Darwin’s writing bridges scientific naturalism and 19th-century travel literature, pioneering popular science and the treatment of empirical evidence through narrative form.

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