Skip to Main Content (Press Enter)
The Origin of Species and The Voyage of the 'Beagle' by Charles Darwin
Add The Origin of Species and The Voyage of the 'Beagle' to bookshelf
Add to Bookshelf

The Origin of Species and The Voyage of the 'Beagle'

Best Seller
The Origin of Species and The Voyage of the 'Beagle' by Charles Darwin
Hardcover $40.00
Oct 14, 2003 | ISBN 9781400041275

Buy from Other Retailers:

See All Formats (1) +
  • Oct 14, 2003 | ISBN 9781400041275

    Buy from Other Retailers:

  • Aug 15, 2012 | ISBN 9780307824202

    Buy from Other Retailers:

Product Details

Author Essay

Suppose we measure the power of a scientific theory as a ratio: how much it explains divided by how much it needs to assume in order to do that explaining. By this criterion, Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection is second to none. Think of what it explains -and I really mean explains in the fullest sense of the word: your existence and mine; the form, diversity, and apparently designed complexity and elegance of all living things, not only on this planet but probably wherever in the universe organized complexity may be found. The
explanatory work that the theory does, then – the numerator of the ratio – is immense. But the theory itself – the denominator – could hardly be smaller or more simple; you can write it out in a phrase: ‘Non-random survival of randomly varying hereditary elements.’ That isn’t quite how Darwin himself would have put it (he phrased it in terms of the survival and reproduction of individual organisms). But it captures the essence of his idea in a way that- I am convinced – he would recognize and, indeed, enjoy if he were alive today.

Looking for More Great Reads?
21 Books You’ve Been Meaning to Read
Get the latest updates about Charles Darwin
And go from well-read to best read with book recs, deals and more in your inbox every week.
And go from well-read to best read with book recs, deals and more in your inbox every week.
By clicking “SIGN UP”, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime.
Dismiss
Thanks!
Something awesome is on its way.
Back to Top