Charles Darwin Early Life

In the 1800’s, the world’s view on humans, animals, and life itself was drastically altered by one man: Charles Robert Darwin. Darwin was born on February 12th, 1809 in Shrewsbury, England. He grew up in a very privileged family: “Both of Charles’s grandfathers were among the most famous men in England” (Whiting 13). His early years were happy, and relatively free of distress. However, in 1817, his mother died. At a young age, he found an interest in wildlife, and a passion for collecting things. He was intrigued by all different kinds of birds and bugs, but showed little interest in traditional school subjects. As Charles grew older, his father, Robert Darwin, pushed him to become a doctor. Charles, however, just could not find the motivation
Nevertheless, his father wanted him to choose a path, so Charles decided he wanted to become a religious minister, so he would be able to have time to focus on his hobbies. He attended Cambridge University in 1828. While he was there with the intentions to eventually become a minister, he became fascinated with botany, geology, and other studies of the natural world. His goal of becoming a minister became quickly overshadowed: “He learned enormous amounts about the scientific study of natural history… he read constantly and developed a great desire to travel as widely as possible so he could continue his studies as a naturalist” (Fullick 10). In August of 1831, a major opportunity arose. Captain Robert Fitzroy was soon to embark on a journey to chart the coast of South America on his ship, the Beagle. He was looking for a companion to join him, and Darwin was the perfect man. On December 27th, 1831, the Beagle set sail for a journey that would change the
For example: “In 1798, Thomas Malthus click this icon to hear the name pronounced, an English clergyman and pioneer economist, published Essay on the Principles of Population. In it he observed that human populations will double every 25 years unless they are kept in check by limits in food supply” (“Darwin and Natural Selection”). This piece of information was very important for Darwin’s theory, and the explanation of natural selection. The organisms that are more fit to the environment are less likely to die of starvation, while other “weaker” organisms will not be able to get food, and therefore die off. Famous geologist Charles Lyell proposed that that geological processes occur extremely slowly and gradually over time. Darwin was inspired by such a way of thinking, and applied it to populations of species. Darwin’s theory of evolution has had an extreme impact on the world since he published his book. Evolutionary biology, an entirely new branch of biology exists because of his discovery. His theory also caused the traditional people of his time to question the bible, which was extremely controversial at the time. Almost 200 years later, and the conflict between evolution and creationism still continues in our country today. Unfortunately, Darwin’s theory is constantly oversimplified, especially by the many who will