Evolution and Wonder: Understanding Charles Darwin

About the Image

This elevation map of a coral reef island is a hand-drawn water-color sketch by Charles Darwin, date unknown.

+ (photo: Cambridge University Library)

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(Reprinted with permission of Syndics of Cambridge University Library, DAR 126:36)

» listen (mp3, 2:10) to David Kohn provide a broader context to this passage and why Darwin wrote it

Image transcription ↑

We can allow satellites, planets, suns. universe, nay whole systems of universe ~~of man~~ to be governed by laws,, but the smallest insect, we wish to be created at once by special act, provided with its instincts its place in nature. its range, its— &c &c:—must be a special act, or result of laws. yet we placidly believe the Astronomer, when he tells us satellites &c &c The Savage admires not a steam engine, but a piece of coloured glass ~~&admires~~ is lost in astonishment at the artificer.— Our faculties are more fitted to recognize the wonderful structure of a beetle than a Universe.—