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The Autobiography of Charles Darwin, 1809–82
Charles Darwin's Autobiography was first published in 1887, five years after his death. It was a bowdlerized edition: Darwin's family, attempting to protect his posthumous reputation, had deleted all the passages they considered too personal or controversial. The present complete edition did not appear until 1959, one hundred years after the publication of The Origin of Species. Upon its appearance, Loren Eiseley wrote:
"No man can pretend to know Darwin who does not know his autobiography. Here, for the first time since his death, it is presented complete and unexpurgated, as it exists in the family archives. It will prove invaluable to biographers and cast new light on the personality of one of the world's greatest scientists. Nora Barlow, Darwin's granddaughter, has proved herself a superb editor. Her own annotations make fascinating reading."
The daring and restless mind, the integrity and simplicity of Darwin's character are revealed in this direct and personal account of his life—his family, his education, his explorations of the natural world, his religion and philosophy. The editor has provided page and line references to the more important restored passages, and previously unpublished notes and letters on family matters and on the controversy between Samuel Butler appear in an appendix.
"No man can pretend to know Darwin who does not know his autobiography. Here, for the first time since his death, it is presented complete and unexpurgated, as it exists in the family archives. It will prove invaluable to biographers and cast new light on the personality of one of the world's greatest scientists. Nora Barlow, Darwin's granddaughter, has proved herself a superb editor. Her own annotations make fascinating reading."
The daring and restless mind, the integrity and simplicity of Darwin's character are revealed in this direct and personal account of his life—his family, his education, his explorations of the natural world, his religion and philosophy. The editor has provided page and line references to the more important restored passages, and previously unpublished notes and letters on family matters and on the controversy between Samuel Butler appear in an appendix.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1887
356 people are currently reading
5074 people want to read
About the author
Charles Darwin
2,162 books3,301 followersCharles Robert Darwin of Britain revolutionized the study of biology with his theory, based on natural selection; his most famous works include
On the Origin of Species
(1859) and
The Descent of Man
(1871).
Chiefly Asa Gray of America advocated his theories.
Works of Jacques Martin Barzun include Darwin, Marx, Wagner (1941).
Charles Robert Darwin, an eminent English collector and geologist, proposed and provided scientific evidence of common ancestors for all life over time through the process that he called. The scientific community and the public in his lifetime accepted the facts that occur and then in the 1930s widely came to see the primary explanation of the process that now forms modernity. In modified form, the foundational scientific discovery of Darwin provides a unifying logical explanation for the diversity of life.
Darwin developed his interest in history and medicine at Edinburgh University and then theology at Cambridge. His five-year voyage on the Beagle established him as a geologist, whose observations and supported uniformitarian ideas of Charles Lyell, and publication of his journal made him as a popular author. Darwin collected wildlife and fossils on the voyage, but their geographical distribution puzzled him, who investigated the transmutation and conceived idea in 1838. He discussed his ideas but needed time for extensive research despite priority of geology. He wrote in 1858, when Alfred Russel Wallace sent him an essay, which described the same idea, prompting immediate joint publication.
His book of 1859 commonly established the dominant scientific explanation of diversification in nature. He examined human sexuality in Selection in Relation to Sex , and The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals followed. A series of books published his research on plants, and he finally examined effect of earthworms on soil.
A state funeral recognized Darwin in recognition of preeminence and only four other non-royal personages of the United Kingdom of the 19th century; people buried his body in Westminster abbey, close to those of John Herschel and Isaac Newton.
Her fathered Francis Darwin, astronomer George Darwin, and politician, economist and eugenicist Leonard Darwin.
(Arabic: تشارلز داروين)
Chiefly Asa Gray of America advocated his theories.
Works of Jacques Martin Barzun include Darwin, Marx, Wagner (1941).
Charles Robert Darwin, an eminent English collector and geologist, proposed and provided scientific evidence of common ancestors for all life over time through the process that he called. The scientific community and the public in his lifetime accepted the facts that occur and then in the 1930s widely came to see the primary explanation of the process that now forms modernity. In modified form, the foundational scientific discovery of Darwin provides a unifying logical explanation for the diversity of life.
Darwin developed his interest in history and medicine at Edinburgh University and then theology at Cambridge. His five-year voyage on the Beagle established him as a geologist, whose observations and supported uniformitarian ideas of Charles Lyell, and publication of his journal made him as a popular author. Darwin collected wildlife and fossils on the voyage, but their geographical distribution puzzled him, who investigated the transmutation and conceived idea in 1838. He discussed his ideas but needed time for extensive research despite priority of geology. He wrote in 1858, when Alfred Russel Wallace sent him an essay, which described the same idea, prompting immediate joint publication.
His book of 1859 commonly established the dominant scientific explanation of diversification in nature. He examined human sexuality in Selection in Relation to Sex , and The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals followed. A series of books published his research on plants, and he finally examined effect of earthworms on soil.
A state funeral recognized Darwin in recognition of preeminence and only four other non-royal personages of the United Kingdom of the 19th century; people buried his body in Westminster abbey, close to those of John Herschel and Isaac Newton.
Her fathered Francis Darwin, astronomer George Darwin, and politician, economist and eugenicist Leonard Darwin.
(Arabic: تشارلز داروين)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
November 27, 2021
"If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week."
I actually added this book to my list, after a rather interesting visit to Great Malvern, where I learned that Darwin used to visit to receive hydrotherapy for his ill-health. I also saw his daughter Anne Darwin's gravestone, where she was buried at only ten years of age, after dying of tuberculosis.
Admittedly, apart from the obvious, I realised I didn't know enough about this intellectual giant, and I needed to broaden my knowledge.
This autobiography certainly didn't disappoint. I do feel this was written for his family and friends, rather than the general public, but either way, I thought his writing was accessible. It strikes me that Darwin underestimated his intelligence his entire life, and sometimes thought others were more clever than him. I definitely think his humbleness was an attribute to Darwin, and somehow helped him on his journey.
I was hoping for more coverage on his family and the Beagle voyage, but that is probably published somewhere else.
Darwin was a fascinating individual, and I'm looking forward to finding out more about him and his notable works.
I actually added this book to my list, after a rather interesting visit to Great Malvern, where I learned that Darwin used to visit to receive hydrotherapy for his ill-health. I also saw his daughter Anne Darwin's gravestone, where she was buried at only ten years of age, after dying of tuberculosis.
Admittedly, apart from the obvious, I realised I didn't know enough about this intellectual giant, and I needed to broaden my knowledge.
This autobiography certainly didn't disappoint. I do feel this was written for his family and friends, rather than the general public, but either way, I thought his writing was accessible. It strikes me that Darwin underestimated his intelligence his entire life, and sometimes thought others were more clever than him. I definitely think his humbleness was an attribute to Darwin, and somehow helped him on his journey.
I was hoping for more coverage on his family and the Beagle voyage, but that is probably published somewhere else.
Darwin was a fascinating individual, and I'm looking forward to finding out more about him and his notable works.
February 26, 2018
“If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week.”
Oh, Darwin! I cannot understand how anyone could hate such a passionate and loving soul!
This memoir is a must-read for everyone. It teaches readers how the human-scientist should be: humble, honest and kind. Darwin is an excellent example of the true scientist.
I admit that I have skipped some parts – especially those in which Darwin talked about the details of his journey on the Beagle and his life in Down (because I already know about these things). Some parts I read twice and enjoyed very much – especially when Darwin wrote about his religious views and about life and suffering. He is truly wise.
Bertrand Russell once wrote:
“The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt”.
I guess this applies perfectly on Darwin! He was full of doubt, always underestimating himself. Also he was so humble that he supposed his opponents to be more intelligent than him. I believe that this particular trait tells us how GREAT Darwin really was.
I truly recommend this book.
And I’d love to conclude this review by writing one of my favorite quotes from it:
“The loss of these tastes [for poetry and music] is a loss of happiness, and may possibly be injurious to the intellect, and more probably to the moral character, by enfeebling the emotional part of our nature.”.
Darwin, God bless your soul!
“If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week.”
Oh, Darwin! I cannot understand how anyone could hate such a passionate and loving soul!
This memoir is a must-read for everyone. It teaches readers how the human-scientist should be: humble, honest and kind. Darwin is an excellent example of the true scientist.
I admit that I have skipped some parts – especially those in which Darwin talked about the details of his journey on the Beagle and his life in Down (because I already know about these things). Some parts I read twice and enjoyed very much – especially when Darwin wrote about his religious views and about life and suffering. He is truly wise.
Bertrand Russell once wrote:
“The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt”.
I guess this applies perfectly on Darwin! He was full of doubt, always underestimating himself. Also he was so humble that he supposed his opponents to be more intelligent than him. I believe that this particular trait tells us how GREAT Darwin really was.
I truly recommend this book.
And I’d love to conclude this review by writing one of my favorite quotes from it:
“The loss of these tastes [for poetry and music] is a loss of happiness, and may possibly be injurious to the intellect, and more probably to the moral character, by enfeebling the emotional part of our nature.”.
Darwin, God bless your soul!
May 5, 2020
"...I could not employ my life better than in adding a little to natural science. This I have done to the best of my abilities, and critics may say what they like, but they cannot destroy this conviction." ~Charles Darwin (pg 104)
A very atypical autobiography, written more for the benefit of his children and grandchildren than for public consumption. He was indeed a very modest man, even his most prestigious achievements are recounted with gratitude and humility. He speaks very frankly about the many people he likes and the very few that he does not, and his sense of humor is evident throughout. I came away with a greater appreciation for Darwin the man, and a deeper reverence for Darwin the ever-meticulous naturalist.
"...if I had to live my life again I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week; for perhaps the parts of my brain now atrophied could thus have been kept active through use. The loss of these tastes is a loss of happiness, and may possibly be injurious to the intellect, and more probably to the moral character, by enfeebling the emotional part of our nature." ~C.D. (pg 113)
A very atypical autobiography, written more for the benefit of his children and grandchildren than for public consumption. He was indeed a very modest man, even his most prestigious achievements are recounted with gratitude and humility. He speaks very frankly about the many people he likes and the very few that he does not, and his sense of humor is evident throughout. I came away with a greater appreciation for Darwin the man, and a deeper reverence for Darwin the ever-meticulous naturalist.
"...if I had to live my life again I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week; for perhaps the parts of my brain now atrophied could thus have been kept active through use. The loss of these tastes is a loss of happiness, and may possibly be injurious to the intellect, and more probably to the moral character, by enfeebling the emotional part of our nature." ~C.D. (pg 113)
July 28, 2018
I have attempted to write the following account of myself, as if I were a dead man in another world looking back at my own life. Nor have I found this difficult, for life is nearly over with me. I have taken no pains about my style of writing.
This is the quintessential scientific autobiography, a brief and charming book that Darwin wrote “for nearly an hour on most afternoons” for a little over two months. Originally published in 1887—five years after the naturalist’s death—it was somewhat censored, the more controversial religious opinions being taken out. It was only in 1958, to celebrate the centennial of The Origin of Species, that the full version was restored, edited by one of Darwin’s granddaughters, Nora Barlow.
The religious opinions that Darwin expresses are, nowadays, not enough to raise eyebrows. In short, his travels and his research slowly eroded his faith until all that remained was an untroubled agnosticism. What is interesting is that Darwin attributes to his loss of faith his further loss of sensitivity to music and to grand natural scenes. Apparently, in later life he found himself unable to experience the sublime. His scientific work also caused him to lose his appreciation for music, pictures, and poetry, which he heartily regrets: “My mind seems to have become a kind of machine for grinding general laws out of large collections of facts,” he says, and attributes to this the fact that “for many years I cannot endure to read a line of poetry.”
The most striking and lovable of Darwin’s qualities is his humility. He notes his lack of facility with foreign languages (which partially caused him to refuse Marx’s offer to dedicate Kapital to him), his terrible ear for music, his difficulty with writing, his incompetence in mathematics, and repeatedly laments his lack of higher aesthetic sensitivities. His explanation for his great scientific breakthrough is merely a talent for observation and dogged persistence. He even ends the book by saying: “With such moderate abilities as I possess, it is truly surprising that thus I should have influenced to a considerable extent the beliefs of scientific men on some important point.” It is remarkable that such a modest and retiring man should have stirred up one of the greatest revolutions in Western thought. Few thinkers have been more averse to controversy.
This little book also offers some reflection on the development of his theory—with the oft-quoted paragraph about reading Malthus—as well as several good portraits of contemporary thinkers. But the autobiography is not nearly as full as one might expect, since Darwin skips over his voyage on the Beagle (he had already written an excellent book about it) and since the second half of his life was extremely uneventful. For Darwin developed a mysterious ailment that kept his mostly house-bound, so much so that he did not even go to his father’s funeral. The explanation eluded doctors in his time and has resisted firm diagnosis ever since. But the consensus seems to be that it was at least in part psychological. It did give Darwin a convenient excuse to avoid society and focus on his work.
The final portrait which emerges is that of a scrupulous, methodical, honest, plainspoken, diffident, and level-headed fellow. It is easy to imagine him as a retiring uncle or a reserved high school teacher. That such a man, through a combination of genius and circumstance—and do not forget that he almost did not go on that famous voyage—could scandalize the public and make a fundamental contribution to our picture of the universe, is perhaps the greatest argument that ever was against the eccentric genius trope.
May 7, 2020
First of all for me Charles Darwin is indeed one of the most influential person to walk on this earth. And what makes this book extremely enjoyable is the fact that it is compiled from the letters which he himself wrote. Now the good part is that he has written this in hindsight and hence there is a sense of continuity and progress. ( pretty much like evolution)
He talks about several things such as early life, his publications, criticisms and further introspection.
There are some candid admissions like-
# "Considering how fiercely I have been attacked by the orthodox, it seems ludicrous that I once intended to be a clergyman."
# As far as I can judge of myself, I worked to the utmost during the voyage from the mere pleasure of investigation, and from my strong desire to add a few facts to the great mass of facts in Natural Science.
# Another element in the success of the book was its moderate size; and this I owe to the appearance of Mr. Wallace's essay; had I published on the scale in which I began to write in 1856, the book would have been four or five times as large as the 'Origin,' and very few would have had the patience to read it.
# "My views have often been grossly misrepresented, bitterly opposed and ridiculed, but this has been generally done, as I believe, in good faith. On the whole I do not doubt that my works have been over and over again greatly overpraised. I rejoice that I have avoided controversies, and this I owe to Lyell, who many years ago, in reference to my geological works, strongly advised me never to get entangled in a controversy, as it rarely did any good and caused a miserable loss of time and temper. " ( Is this true hahaha. Darwin would have been amused with the stupidity we see around. I mean evolution still remains the most controversial topic. Well I guess it has to be because it challenges the very basis of creation plots propagated by religious groups)
# Therefore my success as a man of science, whatever this may have amounted to, has been determined, as far as I can judge, by complex and diversified mental qualities and conditions. Of these, the most important have been—the love of science—unbounded patience in long reflecting over any subject—industry in observing and collecting facts—and a fair share of invention as well as of common sense. With such moderate abilities as I possess, it is truly surprising that I should have influenced to a considerable extent the belief of scientific men on some important points.
He talks about several things such as early life, his publications, criticisms and further introspection.
There are some candid admissions like-
# "Considering how fiercely I have been attacked by the orthodox, it seems ludicrous that I once intended to be a clergyman."
# As far as I can judge of myself, I worked to the utmost during the voyage from the mere pleasure of investigation, and from my strong desire to add a few facts to the great mass of facts in Natural Science.
# Another element in the success of the book was its moderate size; and this I owe to the appearance of Mr. Wallace's essay; had I published on the scale in which I began to write in 1856, the book would have been four or five times as large as the 'Origin,' and very few would have had the patience to read it.
# "My views have often been grossly misrepresented, bitterly opposed and ridiculed, but this has been generally done, as I believe, in good faith. On the whole I do not doubt that my works have been over and over again greatly overpraised. I rejoice that I have avoided controversies, and this I owe to Lyell, who many years ago, in reference to my geological works, strongly advised me never to get entangled in a controversy, as it rarely did any good and caused a miserable loss of time and temper. " ( Is this true hahaha. Darwin would have been amused with the stupidity we see around. I mean evolution still remains the most controversial topic. Well I guess it has to be because it challenges the very basis of creation plots propagated by religious groups)
# Therefore my success as a man of science, whatever this may have amounted to, has been determined, as far as I can judge, by complex and diversified mental qualities and conditions. Of these, the most important have been—the love of science—unbounded patience in long reflecting over any subject—industry in observing and collecting facts—and a fair share of invention as well as of common sense. With such moderate abilities as I possess, it is truly surprising that I should have influenced to a considerable extent the belief of scientific men on some important points.
January 23, 2013
One of the best ways to disarm critics of Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection would be to get them to read his posthumous autobiography, originally edited by his son, then rereleased in an unexpurgated version by his granddaughter. Whatever one might believe about the bible, or punctuated equilibrium for that matter, one cannot read this memoir without coming to like this man. This was, after all, a fellow who dug an enormous hole in order to calculate earthworm distributions underground.
March 22, 2017
Reading this feels a bit voyeuristic, in that it was intended as a family document rather than a public one. It's short and not a very good biography; it talks in little detail about Darwin's life or character, whilst rambling about the personalities of various other contemporary scientists, Darwin's religious views and his own books. It's nevertheless of some interest and so short as to hardly allow for getting bogged down. It's nowhere near as fun as The Voyage of the Beagle or as important as On the Origin of Species, however.
It is probably most useful for the section on how developing his theory of evolution eroded his faith in literal interpretation of the Bible and eventually in Christianity altogether.
It is probably most useful for the section on how developing his theory of evolution eroded his faith in literal interpretation of the Bible and eventually in Christianity altogether.
June 12, 2022
Siempre es interesante conocer algo más sobre la vida de personajes tan importantes y sobre todo si se trata de Darwin, al que le tengo gran admiración. En esta biografía contada por él mismo nos cuenta sus teorías o experiencias narradas en otros libros, a parte de otros detalles de su vida. No obstante, dichos relatos están contados muy por encima dejando la sensación de querer saber más.
Aún así, pese a su brevedad, el libro se me hizo interesante, aunque tenía expectativas mucho más altas.
Aún así, pese a su brevedad, el libro se me hizo interesante, aunque tenía expectativas mucho más altas.
February 10, 2023
ზოგადად ძალიან საინტერესოა ხოლმე ადამიანების განვლილი გზის ��ითხვა და თან ეს ადამიანი თუ ჩარლზ დარვინია მითუმეტეს. დარვინი გულწრფელად ყვება თუ რამ მოახდინა მის აზროვნებაზე გავლენა, ვინ იყვნენ ის ადამიანები, რომლებსაც დიდი წვლილი მიუძღვით მის განვითარებაში და რაც მთავარია წიგნი დაღუნძლულია პატარ-პატარა ისტორიებით. მათ შორის, ყველაზე დასამახსოვრებელი და სასაცილო იყო ის, რომ "ბიგლის" კაპიტნმა ფიცროიმ დარვინი კინაღამ მხოლოდ იმიტომ დაიწუნა, რომ მისი ცხვირი არ მოსწონდა. მიუხედავად იმისა, რომ დარვინი ყველაზე ცნობილი "სახეობათა წარმოშობით" გახდა, გასაოცარია მისი ინტერესი გეოლოგიის, ქიმიისა და ფილსოფიისადმი. წიგნში ასევე ჩანს იმ მეთვრამეტე საუკუნეში "Fake news"-ების გავლენა, ადამიანური ურთიერთობები, სამეცნიერო პროგრესის ეტაპობრივი შემოსვლა, დარვინის რელიგიური შეხედულებები. დარვინის ავტობიოგრაფია ქართულად 2022 წელს გამოიცა და გირჩევთ ყველას წაიკითხოთ.
October 9, 2019
I found Darwin's writing to be quite engaging. This autobiography was written by Darwin exclusively for his children and grand-children and was published posthumously. He writes his life's story with brevity but it gives a good sense of his life. Darwin's ability to self-reflect is one of the factors that lead to his profound insights on natural selection. His power of observation and critical analysis changed the course of science and how people looked at the world. Reading this short book is a great way to know his personal perspectives and motivations on science, evolution, geography, his friends, family and slavery, and the things he missed. "If I had to live my life again I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week."
This is a book where the appendices also make for a very good reading. This was the second Darwin biography that I have read. Now I need to get my hands on Janet Browne's two-part biography.
This is a book where the appendices also make for a very good reading. This was the second Darwin biography that I have read. Now I need to get my hands on Janet Browne's two-part biography.
August 4, 2017
O autobiografie scrisă doar pentru rude este mai sinceră decât altele. Iar dacă vreți să aflați mai multe despre Charles Darwin, cel cu ajutorul teoria selecției naturale a ajuns celebră (chiar dacă acum este parțial contestată), ați ajuns la cartea care trebuie.
Prima parte - autobiografia - ni-l aduce în prim plan pe omul Darwin, cu dorința sa de cunoaștere, de afirmare în domeniul științific, cu refugiul său în lumea științelor naturale, cu felul în care s-au născut cărțile sale.
A doua parte - Călătoria unui naturalist în jurul lumii - ni-l înfățișează în calitate de cercetător al naturii, iar descrierile insulelor Galapagos, ale Țării de Foc sau al cutremurului devastator pe care l-a prins sunt foarte interesante și actuale.
Prima parte - autobiografia - ni-l aduce în prim plan pe omul Darwin, cu dorința sa de cunoaștere, de afirmare în domeniul științific, cu refugiul său în lumea științelor naturale, cu felul în care s-au născut cărțile sale.
A doua parte - Călătoria unui naturalist în jurul lumii - ni-l înfățișează în calitate de cercetător al naturii, iar descrierile insulelor Galapagos, ale Țării de Foc sau al cutremurului devastator pe care l-a prins sunt foarte interesante și actuale.
February 18, 2021
ما أجمل أن نقرأ ما كتبه داروين عم حياته بعيداً عن أعماله العلمية.
أتوقع لو تمت الاستفاضة بالعمل لكان أكثر إدهاشاً
أتوقع لو تمت الاستفاضة بالعمل لكان أكثر إدهاشاً
October 29, 2019
Good book overall, although not really what I expected. You know you're reading about a genius, but the book doesn't really show that. Still, I had in mind who I'm reading about, so I guess it was enjoyable
November 17, 2020
Darwin escreve sobre a sua própria vida. Não é surpreendente que o livro seja pouco apelativo. O próprio refere que pouco haveria para contar sobre ela, a não ser o seu trabalho científico, os seus livros. E que isso o ajudou a escudar-se das suas doenças. Além disso há essa mente bastante organizada, metódica, que tendo a lucidez de perceber que a falta de música e de poesia no seu quotidiano, o empobreceu emocionalmente, lhe fez perder algo da felicidade. Darwin exprime-se de forma clara e seca, pouco poética, objectiva. Mas é ao mesmo tempo um ser excepcional, à frente do seu tempo, equivalendo o inculcar na mente das crianças da crença na existência de um Deus ao medo instintivo que os macacos têm de cobras; mas também falando de si com humildade, destacando apenas a sua capacidade de observação e curiosidade; escrevendo ainda que a obtenção do amor dos que nos rodeiam é a maior felicidade que se pode ter na terra. E dizia-se, diante do elogio ou da crítica: “o meu maior conforto foi dizer centenas de vezes para comigo que trabalhei o mais e melhor do que pude, e ninguém pode fazer mais do que isto.”.
February 16, 2023
Me gusta porque Darwin dice que la universidad no le sirvió para nada y que básicamente hizo lo que le salió de los cojones siempre. Creo que este es el consejo implícito de la obra, y lo apruebo
February 13, 2024
avorrit però em sap greu se sent una mica innocent (?) tot i que la seguretat i la confiança d’un home son insuperables
Read
February 13, 2024mare de déu com els agrada als homes parlar d'ells mateixos
Read
February 8, 2025me gusta mi carrera me gusta mi carrera me gusta mi carrera
January 9, 2021
أعتقد غالباً ما تحيط بالعلماء هالة من الريبة او هاجس بحيث عندما نقرأ نظرية ومقال علمي وعمل بحثي عندها نربط ذلك العمل بذاك اسم صاحبه ...
في السيرة الذاتية لا يحدث ذلك حيث تقوم بتعرية الشخص. بالتالي الذكاء ليس موهبة ولا فطرة ، في سير العلماء وممن وضعوا بصمتهم على خارطة العلم نجد معاني مثل الفضول واختراع الاسئلة والتحليل والخيال والأهم الإجتهاد.
هنا نجد تشارلز داروين الأب والزوج والمُسافر والمُغامر على متن سفينة البيغل وهي تشق عنان الاطلسي نحو أمريكا الجنوبية وغيرها.
❞ كانت متعتي الرئيسية ووظيفتي الوحيدة طوال حياتي هي العمل العلمي. والإثارة من مثل هذا العمل تجعلني أنسى الوقت، أو تأخذني بعيدًا من انزعاجي اليومي. لذلك ليس لدي ما سجلته خلال بقية حياتي، باستثناء نشر العديد من كتبي. وبعض التفاصيل عن كيف نشأت قد يكون مفيدًا ذكرها. ❝
سرد بسيط ودافئ بقلم ابنه فرانسيس، لم أجد إثارة للجدل في السطور حول اصل الانسان مثلاً.. قلت لكم السيرة تقوم بالتعرية من أي وجهات نظر سابقة ، على سبيل المثال فإن كتاب أصل الأنواع جاء تكملة لرسالة الماجستير لداروين.
حتى لا يوجد ذكر للإنسان في كلماته فإن ما سلط عليه داروين الضوء كانت النباتات والحيوانات بالدرجة الأولى مع التأكيد على ان نوع البشر ليس استثناء من تلك المنظومة الحيوية.
أختم بهذا الوصف الجميل عن الراوية في حياة البشر ، نعم الرواية وليس كّتب الأحياء لمن يستغرب .. كان صديقنا يحب الشعر وربما الفن الرومانتيكي ككل.
❞ عدد مدهش من الروايات كانت تُقرأ لي بصوتٍ عال، وأنا أحب جميع الروايات طالما أنها ذات مستوى معقول من الجودة ولا تنتهي بنهايات حزينة وهو ما يُعاكس المُعتاد. الرواية حسب مذاقي، لا تُصنّف رواية من الدرجة الأولى إلا إذا كانت تحتوي على شخصٍ يكونُ عاشقًا على مدى الحكاية، وامرأة جميلة تفعل الخير دائمًا. ❝
في السيرة الذاتية لا يحدث ذلك حيث تقوم بتعرية الشخص. بالتالي الذكاء ليس موهبة ولا فطرة ، في سير العلماء وممن وضعوا بصمتهم على خارطة العلم نجد معاني مثل الفضول واختراع الاسئلة والتحليل والخيال والأهم الإجتهاد.
هنا نجد تشارلز داروين الأب والزوج والمُسافر والمُغامر على متن سفينة البيغل وهي تشق عنان الاطلسي نحو أمريكا الجنوبية وغيرها.
❞ كانت متعتي الرئيسية ووظيفتي الوحيدة طوال حياتي هي العمل العلمي. والإثارة من مثل هذا العمل تجعلني أنسى الوقت، أو تأخذني بعيدًا من انزعاجي اليومي. لذلك ليس لدي ما سجلته خلال بقية حياتي، باستثناء نشر العديد من كتبي. وبعض التفاصيل عن كيف نشأت قد يكون مفيدًا ذكرها. ❝
سرد بسيط ودافئ بقلم ابنه فرانسيس، لم أجد إثارة للجدل في السطور حول اصل الانسان مثلاً.. قلت لكم السيرة تقوم بالتعرية من أي وجهات نظر سابقة ، على سبيل المثال فإن كتاب أصل الأنواع جاء تكملة لرسالة الماجستير لداروين.
حتى لا يوجد ذكر للإنسان في كلماته فإن ما سلط عليه داروين الضوء كانت النباتات والحيوانات بالدرجة الأولى مع التأكيد على ان نوع البشر ليس استثناء من تلك المنظومة الحيوية.
أختم بهذا الوصف الجميل عن الراوية في حياة البشر ، نعم الرواية وليس كّتب الأحياء لمن يستغرب .. كان صديقنا يحب الشعر وربما الفن الرومانتيكي ككل.
❞ عدد مدهش من الروايات كانت تُقرأ لي بصوتٍ عال، وأنا أحب جميع الروايات طالما أنها ذات مستوى معقول من الجودة ولا تنتهي بنهايات حزينة وهو ما يُعاكس المُعتاد. الرواية حسب مذاقي، لا تُصنّف رواية من الدرجة الأولى إلا إذا كانت تحتوي على شخصٍ يكونُ عاشقًا على مدى الحكاية، وامرأة جميلة تفعل الخير دائمًا. ❝
June 30, 2011
I'm a bit fascinated by Darwin, though most of the interest in this is that it is what he himself chose to record for his descendants. It doesn't cover the Beagle voyage, as those journals were published elsewhere, so it's a rather general account of his growing up and his life upon return from his voyage. It gives a good sense of the man though, and the appendices are truly brilliant. Not so much the letters surrounding the ridiculously blown-up spat between himself and Samuel Butler, but the various letters from family, the references to articles theorising over what Darwin's strange illness might have been, and in particular the pros and cons of marriage...nothing could show more clearly the kind of man that Darwin was I think, than these lists he drew up and somehow kept.
March 30, 2016
It should be essential for anyone who has ever heard someone say, "Darwin said (insert Darwinism here)" to read not only Origin of Species but what Darwin thought of his life and work, in his own words.
This is possibly one of the best books I have ever read. Darwin's ability to self reflect is unmatched by anyone I have read to date. What a treat it is to be allowed to travel through the mind of a humble, compassionate, genius or a man who wrote with his whole heart. This book was originally intended to for his family and not for public consumption. Perhaps this was its best attribute because it allowed for true intimacy and stunning close look at what sort of learner, thinker, researcher, and theoretician Darwin truly was. I will read this again and again.
This is possibly one of the best books I have ever read. Darwin's ability to self reflect is unmatched by anyone I have read to date. What a treat it is to be allowed to travel through the mind of a humble, compassionate, genius or a man who wrote with his whole heart. This book was originally intended to for his family and not for public consumption. Perhaps this was its best attribute because it allowed for true intimacy and stunning close look at what sort of learner, thinker, researcher, and theoretician Darwin truly was. I will read this again and again.
August 3, 2011
This was a great little book to aid my quest to learn a bit about Charles Darwin.
Darwin's actual autobiography is pretty short and makes up only half of the volume. Not a riveting autobiography, but his rambles were pleasant enough, and there were a couple amusing anecdotes. I enjoyed it.
The remaining half is mostly devoted to letters and articles about some controversy between Darwin and Butler which I had absolutely no interest in, and the rest are a couple of Darwin's personal notes, which was my favorite part.
Darwin's actual autobiography is pretty short and makes up only half of the volume. Not a riveting autobiography, but his rambles were pleasant enough, and there were a couple amusing anecdotes. I enjoyed it.
The remaining half is mostly devoted to letters and articles about some controversy between Darwin and Butler which I had absolutely no interest in, and the rest are a couple of Darwin's personal notes, which was my favorite part.
August 13, 2018
Very interesting insight in the mind and work of Darwin. His zeal for understanding what he saw and time to think it over for possible explanations is impressive. He also was humble and has a realistic view on his strong and weak points.
May 15, 2015
"Não é o mais forte que sobrevive, nem o mais inteligente. Quem sobrevive é o mais disposto à mudança".
(Charles Darwin)
July 25, 2022
“Il lavoro scientifico è stato il principale godimento e l’unica occupazione di tutta la mia vita, e nell’eccitazione che esso mi dà posso dimenticare, quasi annullare, il mio affanno quotidiano.”
Darwin scrisse questa autobiografia per la famiglia e non per la pubblicazione. Voleva lasciare ai figli un ricordo di sé. Non è quindi un’autobiografia vera e propria, contiene ricordi, riflessioni, divagazioni su altri scienziati suoi contemporanei, sulle sue ricerche e i suoi scritti.
Molto bello il capitolo sulle ‘Opinioni religiose’, su come lo sviluppo della sua teoria dell'evoluzione abbia eroso la sua fede nell'interpretazione letterale della Bibbia e infine nel cristianesimo. Ne esce una figura capace di applicare il ragionamento scientifico anche quando andava contro la religione in cui era stato educato. Un cambiamento radicale se si pensa che in gioventù aveva preso in considerazione l’idea di fare il pastore.
“Quando ero imbarcato su Beagle ero di un’ortodossia perfetta […] Ma già a quel tempo ero pervenuto, gradualmente, a rendermi conto come il Vecchio Testamento, per la sua storia del mondo così manifestamente falsa, con la Torre di Babele, l’arcobaleno come presagio , ecc., per la sua attribuzione a Dio dei sentimenti di un tiranno vendicativo, non meritasse più fede dei libri sacri degli indù o della credenza di qualsiasi barbaro.” E riguardo i Vangeli scrive: “Ma col passare del tempo trovai sempre più difficile, pur sbrigliando la mia immaginazione, inventare prove sufficienti a convincermi. Così l’incredulità s’insinuò lentamente nel mio spirito, e finì col diventare totale.” “Il mistero del principio dell’universo è insolubile per noi, e perciò, per quel che mi riguarda, mi limito a dichiararmi agnostico.”
Quest’autobiografia ci restituisce l’immagine di un uomo modesto, profondo, legato alla famiglia e inconsapevole della propria grandezza. L’ho trovato a tratti parecchio noioso, ma è comunque molto utile se si desidera approfondire la personalità di Darwin.
Darwin scrisse questa autobiografia per la famiglia e non per la pubblicazione. Voleva lasciare ai figli un ricordo di sé. Non è quindi un’autobiografia vera e propria, contiene ricordi, riflessioni, divagazioni su altri scienziati suoi contemporanei, sulle sue ricerche e i suoi scritti.
Molto bello il capitolo sulle ‘Opinioni religiose’, su come lo sviluppo della sua teoria dell'evoluzione abbia eroso la sua fede nell'interpretazione letterale della Bibbia e infine nel cristianesimo. Ne esce una figura capace di applicare il ragionamento scientifico anche quando andava contro la religione in cui era stato educato. Un cambiamento radicale se si pensa che in gioventù aveva preso in considerazione l’idea di fare il pastore.
“Quando ero imbarcato su Beagle ero di un’ortodossia perfetta […] Ma già a quel tempo ero pervenuto, gradualmente, a rendermi conto come il Vecchio Testamento, per la sua storia del mondo così manifestamente falsa, con la Torre di Babele, l’arcobaleno come presagio , ecc., per la sua attribuzione a Dio dei sentimenti di un tiranno vendicativo, non meritasse più fede dei libri sacri degli indù o della credenza di qualsiasi barbaro.” E riguardo i Vangeli scrive: “Ma col passare del tempo trovai sempre più difficile, pur sbrigliando la mia immaginazione, inventare prove sufficienti a convincermi. Così l’incredulità s’insinuò lentamente nel mio spirito, e finì col diventare totale.” “Il mistero del principio dell’universo è insolubile per noi, e perciò, per quel che mi riguarda, mi limito a dichiararmi agnostico.”
Quest’autobiografia ci restituisce l’immagine di un uomo modesto, profondo, legato alla famiglia e inconsapevole della propria grandezza. L’ho trovato a tratti parecchio noioso, ma è comunque molto utile se si desidera approfondire la personalità di Darwin.
February 27, 2024
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF CHARLES DARWIN-Edited by Francis Darwin
✒️I have attempted to write the following account of myself, as I were a dead man in another world looking back at my own life. Nor have I found this difficult, for life is nearly over with me. I have taken no pains about my style of writing."
🤓Kao što reče Darvin,nije se zamarao stilom.
🤓Međutim,Čarlsov sin Fensis koji je delo priredio za objavljivanje se izgleda potrudio da izbaci sve pikantne detalje😂
🤓Ovo je veoma sažeta autobiografija-malo detinjstva i školovanja,malo istraživanja, navedeni uzori i izdanja Darvinovih dela.
🤓Nešto malo preko 200 stranica,i nešto malo više od onoga što možete da nađete na Guglu.
🤓Nije loše. Samo nije naročito zanimljivo.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✒️I have attempted to write the following account of myself, as I were a dead man in another world looking back at my own life. Nor have I found this difficult, for life is nearly over with me. I have taken no pains about my style of writing."
🤓Kao što reče Darvin,nije se zamarao stilom.
🤓Međutim,Čarlsov sin Fensis koji je delo priredio za objavljivanje se izgleda potrudio da izbaci sve pikantne detalje😂
🤓Ovo je veoma sažeta autobiografija-malo detinjstva i školovanja,malo istraživanja, navedeni uzori i izdanja Darvinovih dela.
🤓Nešto malo preko 200 stranica,i nešto malo više od onoga što možete da nađete na Guglu.
🤓Nije loše. Samo nije naročito zanimljivo.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 18, 2024
The Autobiography of Charles Darwin was a better read than I had anticipated. Growing up Catholic I heard horrible things about him. He may as well been the antichrist. He was a curious boy who was off to a slow start. Eventually he found his niche. It just goes to show that with curiosity and patience anyone can go far.
May 4, 2021
Exquisito conocer un poco de la metodología de observación y recolección de datos de Darwin en sus propias palabras.
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February 11, 2024a vegades faig coses inexplicables per a la meva carrera
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March 13, 2025Odd dude lol
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