The theory of evolution describes how animal characteristics could change from one environment to another. It talks about how long animals would have to be in a certain environment to attain these characteristics, and how these changes could either help or hinder a population’s survival. In other words, it provides an explanation of how animal populations can change their physical makeup to thrive in difficult environments. Despite the incorrect interpretation that “the strongest will trample over the weak,” the theory still illustrates a sort of critical thinking that takes decades to perfect. This was seen with the writer, Charles Darwin.

Charles Darwin was born in Shropshire on February 12th, 1809, the fifth of six kids. His father, Robert Darwin, was a free thinker, and would often have his son accompany him to Shropshire to help aid the poor. When Charles enrolled in the University of Edinburgh Medical School, Charles would spend more time learning taxidermy than attending his studies. His father, irritated by his son’s unwillingness to learn medicine, decided to have him become a priest. After Darwin obtained his degree, he decided to stay in Cambridge, where he continued to study books such as Natural Theology or Evidence and Attributes of the Deity.

His famed journey on the HMS Beagle began on August 29th, when he was invited to go on a voyage for two years to the Galapagos Islands. Darwin went, observing and writing down everything that was of some interest. During this time, he noticed differences in characteristics between the same species of animals and decided to look more into them. He soon realized that there was something more to the animals than what met the eye.

When Darwin returned, he was greeted by a variety of scholars and scientists alike. Because the voyage was successful, Darwin was able to fund more experiments and trips, much of which, while successful in his career, drew away from his personal life. Multiple times, Darwin suffered from poor health. Even so, Darwin managed to finish his book On the Origin of Species, describing his observations and what he saw. Much of the public responded with enthusiasm, though the church was less than ecstatic. One priest scoffed at the assumed idea that monkeys could turn into humans. Even so, the work helped bring to light discussions involving humanity’s origins and guided mainstream audiences into thinking about creation in the absence of religion. While it was controversial, it brought new perspectives to light.

Darwin was seen as a scientist who built a legacy for himself. He called to attention that humanity might not know everything and that there are times when religion won’t have the answer to everything. It gave birth to curiosity, and that, as writers, it’s our job to explore everything the world has to offer, even if our imaginations go against conventional thought. He’s given both naturalists and environmentalists alike a reason to improve on their craft, as well as a strong basis to encourage the public to support scientific endeavors.