Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
Charles DarwinRead
I am actually weary of telling people that I do not pretend to adduce [direct] evidence of one species changing into another, but I believe that this view is in the main correct, because so many phenomena can thus be grouped end explained.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Darwin expresses his belief in evolution despite the lack of direct evidence for species changing into one another.
In this quote, Charles Darwin acknowledges his fatigue in defending the theory of evolution due to the absence of direct proof demonstrating one species transforming into another. However, he remains confident in the overall correctness of the evolutionary perspective, as it can satisfactorily explain and organize numerous observed phenomena in nature. This reflects the essence of scientific inquiry, where empirical evidence evolves over time, leading to more comprehensive understanding.
Themes
EvolutionSpeciesEvidenceScienceNatural SelectionPhenomena
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on biological sciences while discussing Darwin's theories.
More from Charles Darwin
All quotes →The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
Charles DarwinRead
I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science....It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.
Charles DarwinRead
We cannot fathom the marvelous complexity of an organic being; but on the hypothesis here advanced this complexity is much increased. Each living creature must be looked at as a microcosm--a little universe, formed of a host of self-propagating organisms, inconceivably minute and as numerous as the stars in heaven.
Charles DarwinRead
I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.
Charles DarwinRead
we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
Charles DarwinRead
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