Despite making significant contributions to humanity and becoming a highly respected scientist, Charles Darwin never stopped learning. His life story serves as a valuable lesson for future generations.
It is said that one winter night, when the weather was freezing and everyone was sound asleep, the child of Charles Darwin (1809-1882, the world-renowned biologist) suddenly woke up and noticed that his father’s room was still lit.
The child, surprised, approached and saw his father diligently working on a pile of documents, and remarked: “Father, you are already a learned scholar; why do you still need to study day and night?” Darwin smiled and replied to his son: “Being a scholar does not mean one stops learning, my dear.”
Even in his old age and declining health, Darwin continued to study the German language, which is relatively difficult. Once, out of concern for his father, the child offered to help him translate German documents.
Darwin declined, saying: “I want to think with my own mind, not with someone else’s. Later on, he mastered German and became proficient in several other languages.”
A Boy Who Loved Observing the Lives of Various Species
Charles Darwin was born into a family with a strong educational tradition. However, from a young age, his passion was not the school lessons taught by his teachers, but the natural world surrounding him.
Charles Darwin often enjoyed observing the lives of plants, flowers, and especially various insects. Unlike many of his peers, Darwin often spent his free time wandering in the fields, searching for insects and plants.
At school, Darwin’s academic performance was not outstanding. He dedicated most of his time to natural sciences. The deeper he delved into the mysteries of wild nature, the more fascinated and passionate he became. He often dreamed of traveling to distant lands to further study nature and life.
Charles Darwin – a genius scientist of the world. (Photo: Telegraph).
During his university years, Darwin joined a society of natural science enthusiasts, discussing issues related to geology, zoology, and botany, along with a research group that participated in field trips for practical experience.
After graduating from university, Darwin boarded the HMS Beagle – a Royal Navy ship – and began his first worldwide expedition, exploring the mysteries of nature in faraway lands.
During this voyage, for five years, Darwin occupied a small cabin on the ship, diligently recording everything he observed along the journey.
Throughout the five years on the ship, he surveyed and discovered many new phenomena. Through his research and comparisons, Darwin concluded that all species of organisms, including humans, are subject to natural selection. Those that adapt to nature survive; those that do not will perish.
This means that all species have two characteristics: Heritage and Variation. They possess traits similar to their ancestors while also having characteristics that have changed to adapt to their surrounding environment.
On one occasion, when he reached an island, Darwin observed various types of birds. Their shapes were quite similar, but some had wide, flat beaks, while others had long, narrow beaks. This was because they had gradually changed to better suit their feeding habits in their environment.
A Genius Passionate About Science
Upon returning from these journeys, Darwin organized his notes systematically. He began to present his fundamental views on the evolution of species.
This led to the manuscript of the famous book “On the Origin of Species.” After many revisions, Darwin carefully published the book, which became a phenomenon at that time.
“On the Origin of Species” is the result of years of painstaking observation, comparison, and study by Darwin, stemming from his lifelong passion for the mysteries of nature.
The emergence of the theory of evolution significantly shook religious beliefs that God was the creator of all species and that only God decided their existence or extinction.
“On the Origin of Species” is an outstanding scientific work, a remarkable achievement of a person who became a genius through his passion for science, hard work, diligence, and belief in truth.
Museum displaying Darwin’s works. (Photo: Telegraph).
Another admirable quality of Darwin is that even after becoming a renowned scientist, he never stopped learning. He often reminded his children to always seek knowledge and to expand their understanding.
