Charles Darwin: Evolution and Religion

Charles Darwin, the mild mannered son of a physician, was once described as the most dangerous man in England. In fact many people considered him to be the agent of the Devil himself, come to sow seeds of corruption among the faithful.

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Credits:
Host - Simon Whistler
Author - Steve Theunissen
Producer - Samuel Avila
Executive Producer - Shell Harris

Other Biographics Videos:

Bruce Lee: A Life Taken Too Soon

Andre the Giant: The Gentle Giant

[harrygariepy]

Fun fact: Darwin had a tortoise that had he used for research, one a century later, the late and great Steve Irwin owned that very same tortoise for a short period of time before it died.

[ignitionfrn]

0:40 - Chapter 1 - Early years
2:10 - Chapter 2 - A growing fascination
5:00 - Chapter 3 - A 5 years voyage
10:45 - Chapter 4 - A theory evolves
12:45 - Chapter 5 - A respected scientist
13:55 - Chapter 6 - The book that shocked the world

[Farhancanopyone]

I wasn’t sure if I could get through the entire 19 minute video but clicked away anyway. Now, after watching the entire video, I am left longing for more! Excellent work!

[c.jgressman]

Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear. - Thomas Jefferson

[saintdeyma]

I love that you did a Biographic on Charles Darwin, I’d been wanting to see your take on his life. And I love how you went into it totally unbiased and professionally where as a lot of other content creators would be arguing either for or against him and his work. That’s why Biographics and your other channel, TopTenz, are my favorite sources for information like this. Keep going, Simon! I can’t wait for the next amazing video!

[SilverionX]

I've read The Origin of Species. It is indeed a very readable and interesting book. It's amazing how meticulously he documented his work and did his experiments.

[cmeola]

Thank you, Simon. I was moved by this video as it reminded me of a dear professor of mine who particularly loved and studied Darwin and the Victorian era. His name was Charles and I’ll never forget how he converted his back patio into an aviary for finches.

[uni]

Dear Simon, all your channels are really good and informative. Kudos to you. Continue your good work.

[Dsdcain]

Very good video (as usual) Biographics. I never really thought about the fact that Charles Darwin was so young when he sailed on HMS Beagle.
Thanks for the video Simon and crew. Really an awesome channel, one of my favorites. *:-)*

[matttucker]

You guys never disappoint. Thank you I really appreciate you guys’ work keep it up 😁👍🏼

[OmnivorousReader]

Good bio. I am reading The Origin of Species at the moment and it makes one curious about Darwin. It is so very beautifully written and the research that went into the theories is meticulous.

[brettwilson]

Great video. Thoroughly researched and executed, as normal. I enjoy hearing varying points of view of Darwin, at least ones made by those who's purpose is to increase knowledge and not just disprove someone else. Well done.

[mdk]

Hey Simon! I am a student who is currently taking a module on the life of Darwin and the module focuses on tackling common beliefs regarding Darwin's experiences. This module is by Dr John Van Wyde and he focuses on Charles Darwin as well as Wallace. While the video was mostly coherent with the content of the module, there are a few common myths that was brought up:

Apparently FitzRoy was looking for a naturalist to serve on board the Beagle as during the first Voyage to Africa no naturalist was present and he felt that it was a lost opportunity to record the species observed. Henslow was originally given this opportunity to serve aboard, but refused as he had a family, he recommended Darwin as the most suitable person for this position.

At the Galapagos Islands, it was not the finches that caught Darwin's attention but rather the Mockingbirds. Darwin did not know that the birds were Finches until they were examined by John Gould. Darwin Finches were popularized by another scientist, David Lack as he published a book with this title.

Alfred Wallace, came up with a theory on evolution but it was quite different from Darwin's and Darwin had many more theories and explanation. His letter did prompt Darwin to condense his work into just the important bits instead of an elaborated one.

Regarding Darwin's Delay, he wasn't as afraid of challenging the scientific beliefs of that time as he felt that his work was based on hard facts and evidence, compared to the Vestiges of Creation that was written by Robert Chambers (Who wasn't qualified in science). Darwin was simply busy working on the Beagle's Voyage as well as subsequently work on Barnacles, such delays are common when comparing Darwin's publications.

These are some of what my lecture has taught me! If I remember them correctly, do correct me if I'm wrong!

[iangrau-fay]

A very straightforward and honest video that does justice to one of the great minds of history. Thank you.

[BoonesFarm]

Once again, sir, I am pleasantly surprised with your ability to gather key personal and scientific landmarks in such and incredible mans career in a way that truly show's the human element behind the man. Most people don't know about his roots in the clergy, and how much support he did receive from many religious people in the scientific community as well. Just a great man and an amazingly well done synopsis of his work.
bravo
Mr. Whistler, keep up the good work!

[andrewcarter]

I've loved the ones I have watched and I'm working my way through all of them. Please do Albert Einstein. (Apologies if he has already been done, but I couldn't find one!)

[IamAvni]

Thank you Simon for sharing the knowledge, our common human heritage, in such an easy way to understand!
I showed your videos to my llil nephews and also to my old parents and it was easy to understand and follow for both!
Not many have the skills of presenting an argument/story/account the way you do. It is by far one of my fav youtube channels and I would call it a great contribution to preserving and sharing the common humankind's knowledge!
Peace

[artaeum]

Fun fact: The school in Shrewsbury Darwin attended is now a very cosy public library. Worth a visit if you're ever passing through.

[weezerfan]

Darwin was someone who fascinated me, really likes that you presented a lot of information, that I didn’t know.
Why did you choose not to talk about his “thinking paths”?
You could easily make a part 2 on him.
Thank you

[maxnullifidian]

I've just finished reading Irving Stone's book, The Origin: A Biographical Novel of Charles Darwin. It was a very good read, and I feel almost as if I knew the fellow personally. I've also come across a copy of On the Origin of Species, so I'll be reading that soon, also.