Charles Darwin

Date of Birth: February 12, 1809

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: April 19, 1882

Biography

Charles Robert Darwin was an English naturalist, geologist, and biologist, best known for his contributions to the science of evolution. His proposition that all species of life have descended over time from common ancestors is now widely accepted and considered a fundamental concept in science. Darwin’s most famous work, “On the Origin of Species,” published in 1859, introduced the scientific theory that populations evolve over the course of generations through a process of natural selection. Darwin was born into a wealthy and well-connected family. His grandfathers included Erasmus Darwin, an influential abolitionist and scientist, and Josiah Wedgwood, the founder of the Wedgwood pottery company. Darwin’s early interest in nature led him to neglect his medical education at the University of Edinburgh in favor of studying marine invertebrates. Studies at the University of Cambridge (Christ’s College) encouraged his passion for natural science. His five-year voyage on HMS Beagle established him as an eminent geologist whose observations and theories supported Charles Lyell’s concepts of gradual geological change. The publication of “On the Origin of Species” ushered in a new era of scientific understanding and debate about the natural world and humanity’s place within it.

5 Interesting Facts about Charles Darwin

1. Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection was developed independently of Alfred Russel Wallace, who had similar ideas.

2. Darwin delayed the publication of “On the Origin of Species” for more than 20 years due to fear of public and scientific backlash.

3. Darwin suffered from chronic illnesses for much of his life, which some historians believe were psychosomatic in origin.

4. Despite being initially criticized, Darwin’s work has had a profound impact on various fields including biology, anthropology, and psychology.

5. The Galápagos Islands were crucial in the development of Darwin’s theories, particularly his observations of finches’ diverse beak shapes.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Charles Darwin

1. “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.”

2. “A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.”

3. “The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.”

4. “Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge.”

5. “In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Charles Darwin’s net worth at the time of his death is not widely documented, but he was born into a wealthy family and received numerous financial benefits from his publications and family inheritance. He lived comfortably, allowing him to focus on his research.

Children

Charles Darwin and his wife, Emma Wedgwood, had ten children, seven of whom survived to adulthood: 1. William Erasmus Darwin (1839–1914) 2. Anne Elizabeth Darwin (1841–1851) 3. Mary Eleanor Darwin (1842–1842) 4. Henrietta Emma “Etty” Darwin (1843–1929) 5. George Howard Darwin (1845–1912) 6. Elizabeth “Bessy” Darwin (1847–1926) 7. Francis Darwin (1848–1925) 8. Leonard Darwin (1850–1943) 9. Horace Darwin (1851–1928) 10. Charles Waring Darwin (1856–1858)