The Young Darwin and His Cultural Circle: A study of influences which helped shape the language and logic of the first drafts of the theory of natural Selection Book

"...I could not employ my life better than in adding a little to natural science. This I have done to the best of my abilities, and critics may say what they like, but they cannot destroy this conviction." ~Charles Darwin (pg 104)

A very atypical autobiography, written more for the benefit of his children and grandchildren than for public consumption. He was indeed a very modest man, even his most prestigious achievements are recounted with gratitude and humility. He speaks very frankly about the many people he likes and the very few that he does not, and his sense of humor is evident throughout. I came away with a greater appreciation for Darwin the man, and a deeper reverence for Darwin the ever-meticulous naturalist.

"...if I had to live my life again I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week; for perhaps the parts of my brain now atrophied could thus have been kept active through use. The loss of these tastes is a loss of happiness, and may possibly be injurious to the intellect, and more probably to the moral character, by enfeebling the emotional part of our nature." ~C.D. (pg 113)