ˇ§I have tried lately to read Shakespeare, and found it so intolerably dull that it nauseated me.ˇ¨
ˇ§A scientific man ought to have no wishes, no affections, - a mere heart of stone.ˇ¨
ˇ§A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.ˇ¨ Charles R. Darwin
Charles Darwin's bones became 199 years old ten days ago (February 12th). Although the bicentenary (2-12-2009) is some time away, many plans for celebration are already underway. The celebrations are centered on Darwinˇ¦s 200th birthday in February 2009, but will begin in July 2008 by commemorating 150 years since Darwin first presented his theory to fellow scientists. The events will build up to November 2009, which is the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection. Also there will be far more festivals, celebrations, shipbuilding, and blogging worldwide.
Why is Darwin relevant today? The two governing ideas of modern biology are first, the molecular basis of all life processes and second, the origin and evolution of all life processes by Darwinian natural selection. Darwin (1809-1882) is now a household name whose ideas have revolutionized our understanding of nature and our place within it over the last 150 years. Darwin challenged the thinking of the day because his observations - that every living thing is related and belongs to one big family - placed humans firmly within the natural world.
In this column I'll try hard to do something from now on to cover events worldwide help to understand the impact that Darwin's ideas about evolution, as well as his approach to the understanding of the natural world and his outstanding example as a scientist, continue to have on our lives. It will be updated regularly as further events and info emerge.
Also I will display one or two Darwinˇ¦s quotes periodically to this site to let us learn his innovative thoughts are just as important to our lives today.
ˇE Legends on Darwinˇ¦s death
Perhaps you have heard that Charles Darwin was buried next to Sir Isaac Newton. This is not true! Sir Isaac Newton was buried a distance away. Darwin died on April 19, 1882 at around 4 pm at his home in Kent. His funeral was held on April 26 on a Wednesday at Westminster Abbey. It was attended by scientists, philosophers, naturalists, admirals, and dignitaries of all sorts. Among the thousands of people attending his funeral were Joseph Parslow, his servant and lifetime friend, as well as Mrs. Evens, the household cook. - posted by Wei-chin Chang 3-5-2008 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
