Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
Charles DarwinRead
We can allow satellites, planets, suns, universe, nay whole systems of universes, to be governed by laws, but the smallest insect, we wish to be created at once by special act.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the contrast between natural laws governing the universe and the belief in creationism regarding even the smallest creatures.
Charles Darwin's quote underscores the irony in human thinking about creation. While we accept that cosmic bodies and entire systems operate under natural laws and processes, we often cling to the notion that even the tiniest insect must be created through a special act, reflecting our struggle to reconcile faith with scientific understanding and the laws of nature.
Themes
EvolutionCreationismNatureScienceInsectsDarwin
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a debate about the compatibility of science and religion.
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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