Worms have played a more important part in the history of the world than humans would at first suppose.

I see no good reasons why the views given in this volume should shock the religious views of anyone.

For I am well aware that scarcely a single point is discussed in this volume on which facts cannot be adduced, often apparently leading to conclusions directly opposite to those at which I have arrived. A fair result can be obtained only by fully stating and balancing the facts and arguments on both sides of each question.

...all nature is perverse & will not do as I wish it.

One hand has surely worked throughout the universe.

Free will is to mind what chance is to matter.

Nothing is easier than to admit in words the truth of the universal struggle for life, or more difficult--at least I have found it so--than constantly to bear this conclusion in mind.