Charles Darwin

Darwin was an English naturalist who developed the modern theory of evolution. Along with naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, he proposed the principle of natural selection: the mechanism by which advantageous variations are passed on to later generations and less advantageous traits slowly disappear. Darwin's intensely controversial theory of evolution aroused widespread argument and debate among scientists and religious leaders. How did Darwin view religion and God? More...

my favorie writer of all times

I've always been daunted to actually read any of his works, but I enjoyed Darwin & the Barnacle by Rebecca Stott.

Alfred Russell Wallace -- Co-originator of the idea of "natural selection"

From Wikipedia
He is best known for independently conceiving the theory of evolution through natural selection; his paper on the subject was jointly published with some of Charles Darwin's writings in 1858.[1] This prompted Darwin to publish his own ideas in On the Origin of Species. Wallace did extensive fieldwork, first in the Amazon River basin and then in the Malay Archipelago, where he identified the faunal divide now termed the Wallace Line, which separates the Indonesian archipelago into two distinct parts: a western portion in which the animals are largely of Asian origin, and an eastern portion where the fauna reflect Australasia.

Letters exchanged between Darwin and his close friends, Joseph Dalton Hooker and Charles Lyell, show that Darwin, who had worked on the theory for twenty years, was very upset at the prospect of losing priority to Wallace, while at the same time wanting [quite graciously] to acknowledge Wallace’s contribution fully. The initial presentation of the theory through joint papers at the Linnean Society of London, and presided over by Lyell and Hooker, reveals much about the social structure of Victorian science. Wallace would become one of Darwin’s most valued correspondents and their relationship was one of strong mutual respect and support despite important theoretical, political, and religious differences.

Darwin, C. R. to Lyell, Charles, (25 June 1858)
Darwin writes to Lyell saying that everything in Wallace’s sketch also appears in his sketch of 1844. A year ago Darwin sent a short sketch of his views to Asa Gray. Can Darwin honourably publish his sketch now that Wallace has sent an outline of his views? He concludes: “I would far rather burn my whole book than that he or any man shd. think that I had behaved in a paltry spirit.” He does not believe Wallace originated his views from anything Darwin wrote to him.

I find your choice of honored personage on this date inexcusable. Today is Abraham Lincoln's birthday, February 12, 1809. The man that saved the union of our nation, and essentially abolished slavery. Conversely, Charles Darwin was, and continues to be a divisive and unproven ideology to our nation.

Certainly President Lincoln is most worthy but each day of the year has many possible honorees; for example, the Catholic Church has a list of 19 Saints for this day, see: Catholic Saints for February 12. With a few exceptions, the official Saint to be celebrated rotates among those listed for the day. Other examples could be introduced as well. I don't doubt that Abraham Lincoln has been mentioned in years past, but now it is Darwin's turn. Whether you agree with his data and conclusions or not, you can't deny his importance as an influence on today's civilization.

TFD has been running for several years - just because one day is one person's birthday, it does not have to feature them on that day.

Since you already know about Lincoln, maybe you could learn some more about Darwin today.

Chill, it is a database in an online dictionary forum, not a personal attack on you!

I see that is your one post. If you signed up expressly to spew your hate, may I suggest this is not a site you want to be associated with.

A good man, no, a great man and much maligned by the very narrow minded Christian right.