The Origin of Species
In "The Origin of Species," Charles Darwin presents his theory of evolution through natural selection, arguing that species evolve over time due to the process of adaptation to their environments. He illustrates how variations within species can lead to the survival and reproduction of individuals best suited to their surroundings, ultimately resulting in the gradual emergence of new species. The work laid the foundation for modern evolutionary biology and challenged conventional views of creation.
10 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Origin of Species, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.
I am convinced that natural selection has been the main but not the exclusive means of modification.
There is grandeur in this view of life, with its several powers, having originally been originally breathed into a few forms or into one.
As far as we can judge, the forms of life are not immutable.
We must bear in mind that the entire universe is not only governed by laws but also shaped by the interplay of chance.
In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.
The greater the number of individuals, the greater is the chance of variation.
The struggle for existence is the most important factor in the evolution of species.
Natural selection, or the survival of the fittest, is the process by which evolution occurs.