Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
In the distant future I see open fields for far more important researches. Psychology will be based on a new foundation, that of the necessary acquirement of each mental power and capacity by gradation. Light will be thrown on the origin of man and his history.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Darwin envisions a future where psychology evolves into a comprehensive field grounded in human development and history.
In this quote, Charles Darwin expresses his vision for the future of psychology, where the discipline is built upon a systematic understanding of human mental abilities and capacities that develop gradually over time. He emphasizes the importance of research into the origins of humanity and its history, suggesting that a deeper comprehension of our mental faculties will lead to significant advancements in the field.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a university lecture discussing the evolution of psychology, this quote could be used to illustrate the future direction of the field.
More from Charles Darwin
All quotes →The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
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.
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.
I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.
we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
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