Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
Charles DarwinRead
I would give absolutely nothing for the theory of Natural Selection, if it requires miraculous additions at any one stage of descent.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Darwin expresses skepticism about Natural Selection if it relies on miraculous events during evolution.
In this quote, Charles Darwin emphasizes his belief in Natural Selection as a natural and gradual process, asserting that if it requires any miraculous interventions or additions at any point in the evolutionary history, then he would not value the theory. This reveals his commitment to empiricism and the idea that scientific explanations should be based on observable natural phenomena rather than supernatural or miraculous events.
Themes
Natural SelectionEvolutionScienceTheoryDarwin
In practice
Example use cases
During a science lecture on evolution, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of empirical evidence.
More from Charles Darwin
All quotes βThe 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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