While not actually celebrating a birthday past the age of seventy-two, Charles Darwin and his contributions to scientific knowledge continue to be celebrated world-wide. Even Darwin’s biggest critics, who often reject his theory of evolution opting for a biblical interpretation that includes the creation story (God, ribs, apples, and all), cannot deny Darwin’s impacting legacy in the scientific, academic, humanistic, and pop culture arenas.
Today, November 24, 2009, we commemorate 150 years since Darwin's seminal work The Origin of Species first published in 1859. Highlighting the contributory nature of this work, today not only celebrates Darwin the scientist, but science as a discipline. One cannot read, watch television, or hold a discussion with intellectual equals without referencing the theories he brought to light with his pioneering work.
Pop Culture Can't Deny Darwin
Perhaps you remember paleontologist Ross Geller defending Darwin’s theory against Phoebe’s anti-evolution rant on the sitcom Friends. Having dedicated his adult life to the study of evolution, Ross mocks Phoebe’s nonchalant resistance to a theory of which she says, “Monkeys...Darwin...it’s a nice theory, I just think it’s a little too easy.”
By the end of the episode, Phoebe manipulates Ross into admitting that there is indeed a tiny possibility that evolution is not the sole explanation for the world’s inception and subsequent graduation to modernity. Whether you are a cynic like Phoebe or rely solely on scientific assurance, it’s undeniable that Darwin’s controversial discoveries had a groundbreaking impact on how people understand the world.
Darwin, the Pioneer
Two hundred years after his birth and 150 years after the publication of his groundbreaking book, On the Origin of the Species, Darwin’s enlightening ideas regarding his theory of evolution are still key in current genetics research. Darwin’s extensive research, including a five year trip aboard the HMS Beagle as a geologist and a lifetime dedicated to finding the relationship between all living things, attested that evolutionary theory is maintained through a process of natural selection, commonly referred to in science classrooms and pop culture references as the notion of “survival of the fittest.”
Testifying to the existence of a united life species, having evolved over time from common ancestors, Darwin’s discoveries still promote modern curiosity in scientific truth and more importantly, a deep sense of appreciation and respect for all species of life. This common bond, believed to be shared by humans and animals alike, is what Darwin supporters emphasize when celebrating his work in the twenty-first century.
Christa Gutzler - Christa M. Gutzler has always believed in the power of the written word and her passion for linguistic exploration drives everything that ...
