105+ Charles Darwin Quotes

Charles Darwin, the renowned English naturalist and biologist, is known for his groundbreaking work on evolution and natural selection.

His ideas and observations have had a profound impact on the fields of biology, anthropology, and psychology.

Darwin’s quotes reflect his scientific mindset, curiosity, and deep understanding of the natural world.

Here are some key characteristics of Charles Darwin quotes:

  • Observational and empirical: Darwin’s quotes often stem from his careful observations of the natural world. He was known for his meticulous note-taking and extensive research. His quotes reflect his reliance on empirical evidence and the importance of direct observation.
  • Evolutionary perspective: Darwin’s most significant contribution to science was the theory of evolution. Many of his quotes revolve around the concept of evolution and the idea that species undergo gradual changes over time. He emphasized the interconnectedness and diversity of life on Earth.
  • Contemplative and reflective: Darwin was deeply contemplative and often pondered the implications of his observations. His quotes reveal his thoughtful nature and his willingness to question established beliefs and dogmas.
  • Humility and curiosity: Darwin possessed a humble demeanor and an insatiable curiosity about the natural world. His quotes often express a sense of wonder and a desire to unravel the mysteries of life. He acknowledged the vastness of our knowledge compared to what remains unknown.
  • Empathy for all living beings: Darwin had a keen appreciation for the interconnectedness of all life forms. His quotes demonstrate his empathy and concern for the welfare of animals and the natural environment. He recognized the shared ancestry and inherent value of all living beings.
  • Intellectual and scientific rigor: Darwin’s quotes exhibit a commitment to intellectual rigor and scientific inquiry. He emphasized the importance of evidence, experimentation, and critical thinking in understanding the natural world. His quotes encourage a scientific mindset and an openness to new ideas.
  • Influence on human behavior and society: While Darwin is primarily associated with biology and evolution, his quotes also touch on human behavior and societal implications. He explored topics such as cooperation, competition, morality, and the origins of human nature.
  • Timelessness: Despite being written in the 19th century, Darwin’s quotes remain relevant and insightful to this day. They continue to inspire and provoke thought in fields ranging from biology to philosophy.

Overall, Charles Darwin’s quotes embody his scientific spirit, his intellectual curiosity, and his profound impact on our understanding of life and the natural world.

They serve as a testament to his enduring legacy and the significance of his contributions to science.

Charles Darwin Quotes

Here are various quotes by Charles Darwin:

  1. “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”
  2. “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”
  3. “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge.”
  4. “I love fools’ experiments. I am always making them.”
  5. “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.”
  6. “A moral being is one who is capable of reflecting on his past actions and their motives—of approving of some and disapproving of others.”
  7. “The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic.”
  8. “I am turned into a sort of machine for observing facts and grinding out conclusions.”
  9. “It is a cursed evil to any man to become as absorbed in any subject as I am in mine.”
  10. “A scientific man ought to have no wishes, no affections, a mere heart of stone.”
  11. “We must, however, acknowledge as it seems to me, that man with all his noble qualities… still bears in his bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin.”
  12. “To kill an error is as good a service as, and sometimes even better than, the establishing of a new truth or fact.”
  13. “An American monkey, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch it again, and thus is much wiser than most men.”
  14. “I am not apt to follow blindly the lead of other men.”
  15. “I am a firm believer that without speculation there is no good and original observation.”
  16. In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.
  17. “Man with all his noble qualities… still bears in his bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin.”
  18. “The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.”
  19. “If the misery of the poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin.”
  20. “A true naturalist feels a holy delight in working in mere description, though opinions and theories are worth nothing.”
  21. “I have always felt that the true text-book for the pupil is his teacher.”
  22. “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.”
  23. “The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”
  24. “The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.”
  25. “How paramount the future is to the present when one is surrounded by children.”
  26. “Animals, whom we have made our slaves, we do not like to consider our equal.”
  27. “Man tends to increase at a greater rate than his means of subsistence.”
  28. “The very essence of instinct is that it’s followed independently of reason.”
  29. “An American monkey, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch it again, and thus is much wiser than most men.”
  30. “False facts are highly injurious to the progress of science, for they often endure long.”
  31. “A man’s friendships are one of the best measures of his worth.”
  32. “The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic.”
  33. “I love fools’ experiments. I am always making them.”
  34. “I am turned into a sort of machine for observing facts and grinding out conclusions.”
  35. “There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having been originally breathed into a few forms or into one.”
  36. “To kill an error is as good a service as, and sometimes even better than, the establishing of a new truth or fact.”
  37. “An American monkey, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch it again, and thus is much wiser than most men.”
  38. “I am not apt to follow blindly the lead of other men.”
  39. “I am a firm believer that without speculation there is no good and original observation.”
  40. “A scientific man ought to have no wishes, no affections, a mere heart of stone.”
  41. “I love fools’ experiments. I am always making them.”
  42. “Man with all his noble qualities… still bears in his bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin.”
  43. “We must, however, acknowledge as it seems to me, that man with all his noble qualities… still bears in his bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin.”
  44. “To kill an error is as good a service as, and sometimes even better than, the establishing of a new truth or fact.”
  45. “An American monkey, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch it again, and thus is much wiser than most men.”
  46. “A scientific man ought to have no wishes, no affections, a mere heart of stone.”
  47. “I am not apt to follow blindly the lead of other men.”
  48. “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.”
  49. “False facts are highly injurious to the progress of science, for they often endure long.”
  50. “In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”
  51. “Man with all his noble qualities… still bears in his bodily frame the indelible stamp of his lowly origin.”
  52. “The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.”
  53. “If the misery of the poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin.”
  54. “I have always felt that the true text-book for the pupil is his teacher.”
  55. “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.”
  56. “The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”
  57. “The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.”
  58. “How paramount the future is to the present when one is surrounded by children.”
  59. “Animals, whom we have made our slaves, we do not like to consider our equal.”
  60. “Man tends to increase at a greater rate than his means of subsistence.”
  61. “The very essence of instinct is that it’s followed independently of reason.”
  62. “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”
  63. “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”
  64. “The natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”
  65. “The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference.”
  66. “There is no fundamental difference between man and the higher mammals in their mental faculties.”
  67. “A man’s mind, stretched by new ideas, may never return to its original dimensions.”
  68. “It is those who know little, and not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.”
  69. “The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.”
  70. “I have tried lately to read Shakespeare and found it so intolerably dull that it nauseated me.”
  71. “I love fools’ experiments. I am always making them.”
  72. “A scientific man ought to have no wishes, no affections, a mere heart of stone.”
  73. “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”
  74. “If the misery of the poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin.”
  75. “Freedom of thought is best promoted by the gradual illumination of men’s minds, which follows from the advance of science.”
  76. “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.”
  77. “The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.”
  78. “The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”
  79. “How paramount the future is to the present when one is surrounded by children.”
  80. “Animals, whom we have made our slaves, we do not like to consider our equal.”

These are a selection of quotes from Charles Darwin, covering various topics such as evolution, science, morality, and the natural world.

Famous Charles Darwin Quotes

Here are some famous quotes by Charles Darwin:

  1. “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”
  2. “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge.”
  3. “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”
  4. “I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term natural selection.”
  5. “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”
  6. “A scientific man ought to have no wishes, no affections—a mere heart of stone.”
  7. “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.”
  8. “If the misery of the poor be caused not by the laws of nature, but by our institutions, great is our sin.”
  9. “The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us, and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic.”
  10. “It is not enough to teach a man a specialty. Through it, he may become a kind of useful machine, but not a harmoniously developed personality. It is essential that the student acquire an understanding of and a lively feeling for values.”
  11. “In the long history of humankind, those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”
  12. “Man tends to increase at a greater rate than his means of subsistence.”
  13. “I love fools’ experiments. I am always making them.”
  14. “The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”
  15. “How paramount the future is to the present when one is surrounded by children.”

These quotes offer a glimpse into Darwin’s thoughts on evolution, adaptation, human behavior, the mysteries of life, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

They showcase his scientific mindset, philosophical ponderings, and his impact on our understanding of the natural world.

Inspirational and Motivational Charles Darwin Quotes

Here are various inspirational and motivational quotes by Charles Darwin:

  1. “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change.”
  2. “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”
  3. “It is those who know little, and not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.”
  4. “The great pleasure in life is doing what people say you cannot do.”
  5. “A man’s mind, stretched by new ideas, may never return to its original dimensions.”
  6. “Freedom of thought is best promoted by the gradual illumination of men’s minds, which follows from the advance of science.”
  7. “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.”
  8. “The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.”
  9. “The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”
  10. “How paramount the future is to the present when one is surrounded by children.”
  11. “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”
  12. “False facts are highly injurious to the progress of science, for they often endure long.”
  13. “In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”
  14. “The natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”
  15. “The universe we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference.”
  16. “The highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.”
  17. “The mystery of the beginning of all things is insoluble by us; and I for one must be content to remain an agnostic.”
  18. “The very essence of instinct is that it’s followed independently of reason.”

These quotes from Charles Darwin can inspire and motivate us to embrace change, pursue knowledge, appreciate the wonders of the natural world, and recognize the power of our thoughts and actions.

Conclusion – Charles Darwin Quotes

Charles Darwin’s quotes encapsulate the essence of his scientific brilliance, deep curiosity, and profound insights into the natural world.

His observations and theories on evolution and natural selection have revolutionized the fields of biology, anthropology, and psychology, shaping our understanding of life on Earth.

Darwin’s quotes reflect his keen observational skills, his emphasis on empirical evidence, and his contemplative nature.

They highlight his humility, empathy for all living beings, and his commitment to intellectual rigor and scientific inquiry.

Despite being penned in the 19th century, his quotes remain timeless and continue to inspire generations, inviting us to question, explore, and appreciate the intricate wonders of the natural world.

Charles Darwin’s quotes serve as a lasting testament to his immense contributions to science and his enduring legacy as one of the greatest scientific minds in history.

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