During my second year at Edinburgh [1826-27] I attended Jameson's lectures on Geology and Zoology, but they were incredible dull. The sole effect they produced on me was the determination never as long as I lived to read a book on Geology.
Charles DarwinWhy, if species have descended from other species by insensibly fine gradations, do we not everywhere see innumerable transitional forms.
Charles DarwinNothing can be more improving to a young naturalist, than a journey in a distant country.
Charles DarwinI would give absolutely nothing for the theory of Natural Selection, if it requires miraculous additions at any one stage of descent.
Charles DarwinIt is no valid objection that science as yet throws no light on the far higher problem of the essence or origin of life. Who can explain gravity? No one now objects to following out the results consequent on this unknown element of attraction.
Charles DarwinSome few, and I am one of them, even wish to God, though at the loss of millions of lives, that the North would proclaim a crusade against slavery. In the long-run, a million horrid deaths would be amply repaid in the cause of humanity. Great God! how I should like to see the greatest curse on earth - slavery - abolished!
Charles Darwin