Today is the day–Charles Darwin was born 200 years ago, and there are lots of wonderful features out there in the scientific community to celebrate the occasion. Nature has a “Darwin 200” website packed with commemorative essays and other goodies. As the Nature folks say, “No single researcher has since matched his collective impact on the natural and social sciences; on politics, religions, and philosophy; on art and cultural relations.” I also enjoyed an “Evolution before and after Darwin” slideshow from Scientific American. It’s interesting to see that even in 600 B.C., Greek scholars believed that life evolved from fish in the seas that adapted once on land. Sciam’s materials on Darwin start here. So sit back, enjoy a piece of birthday cake, and have a good read!
Our Family Collection of Darwin Books
4 Comments
raquelart22 · February 13, 2009 at 11:29 am
I didn’t realized how much Charles Darwin contributed to science. His research for his time is still used, but I think more refined. I think new sciencist use his research as a stepping stone.
krusch · February 17, 2009 at 1:33 pm
It is crazy to take a step back and think about all that has been accomplished since Darwin’s time. Darwin accomplished a lot and helped to spark interest in the sciences, but so much more has been accomplished since then. I wonder what contributions Darwin would make if he were alive today?
elliekrump · February 17, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Whether you are a Darwin fan or not, I think that it is impossible to deny his accomplishments on such an exceedingly monumental level. He has contributed so much to modern society, its thinking and problem-solving. As mentioned above, many of his theories were, indeed, the building blocks of science. One thing that I resent about my middle school and high school education is that I do not think that Darwin was given proper credit, in my opinion, due to our school systems’ being too concerned about political correctness. I would have loved to have been exposed to more Darwinism, more natural selection, and its counterpart, a more religious perspective, in my formal education. I think that it would have helped me develop a better sense of understanding and self-identity. But nevertheless, now I am content conducting my own research and developing my opinions on my own. Thank you, and Happy Birthday, Charles Darwin!
shakiamitchell · March 1, 2009 at 9:47 pm
Darwin made such amazing contributions to are society in understanding the evolution of species. I think his accomplishments inspired so many scientist to pursue exploring that area and continues to inspire scientist today. When you think of great individuals like him you can’t help but wonder what he would do if he were alive today with all the modern technology and so forth.
Comments are closed.