“We can allow satellites, planets, suns, universe, nay whole systems of universes, to be governed by laws, but the smallest insect, we wish to be created at once by special act.”
- February 12, 1809 – April 19, 1882
- Born in England (UK)
- Naturalist, geologist, biologist
- Wrote “On the Origin of Species” and proposed the theory of evolution and natural selection
Quote
“We can allow satellites, planets, suns, universe, nay whole systems of universes, to be governed by laws, but the smallest insect, we wish to be created at once by special act.”
Explanation
In this quote, Charles Darwin highlights a paradox in human thinking, particularly regarding the natural world and the origin of life. He points out that we are comfortable with the idea that large, complex systems, like planets, suns, and even entire universes, follow natural laws and evolve according to scientific principles. However, when it comes to something as small as an insect, many people still cling to the idea that such life must be created through a special, divine intervention. Darwin’s words challenge the notion of special creation and suggest that, just as the vast cosmos operates according to natural laws, so too must life on Earth, including the smallest organisms.
Historically, Darwin’s theory of evolution through natural selection was revolutionary because it extended the idea of natural laws, which governed inanimate matter, to living organisms. Prior to Darwin, many people believed that life forms, especially complex ones like humans, were created in a way that was separate from the natural processes. Darwin’s work emphasized that all life, from the simplest insect to the human being, could be understood through evolutionary mechanisms without the need for a supernatural creator. This marked a significant shift in how humanity viewed itself and its place in the natural world.
In modern times, Darwin’s challenge to the concept of special creation still resonates. Advances in fields like genetics, embryology, and paleontology have shown that all life is interconnected and subject to the same principles of evolutionary change. The development of species, whether they are insects or humans, can now be explained through evolutionary biology, with natural selection as the driving force. This idea remains a cornerstone of modern science, continuing to shape our understanding of the origins of life and the universe itself.
