Reviews for The Autobiography of Charles Darwin 1809-1882: With Original Omissions Restored

The average rating for The Autobiography of Charles Darwin 1809-1882: With Original Omissions Restored based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2017-05-24 00:00:00 Jim McNabb ‏ "If I had my life to live over again, I would have made a rule to read some poetry and listen to some music at least once every week." Oh, Darwin! I cannot understand how anyone could hate such a passionate and loving soul! This memoir is a must-read for everyone. It teaches readers how the human-scientist should be: humble, honest and kind. Darwin is an excellent example of the true scientist. I admit that I have skipped some parts - especially those in which Darwin talked about the details of his journey on the Beagle and his life in Down (because I already know about these things). Some parts I read twice and enjoyed very much - especially when Darwin wrote about his religious views and about life and suffering. He is truly wise. Bertrand Russell once wrote: "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt". I guess this applies perfectly on Darwin! He was full of doubt, always underestimating himself. Also he was so humble that he supposed his opponents to be more intelligent than him. I believe that this particular trait tells us how GREAT Darwin really was. I truly recommend this book. And I'd love to conclude this review by writing one of my favorite quotes from it: "The loss of these tastes [for poetry and music] 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.". Darwin, God bless your soul!

Review # 2 was written on 2020-05-04 00:00:00 Bob Fuller "...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)