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Editor's comment

Darwin had the courage to state "The main conclusion arrived at in this work, namely that man is descended from some lowly organized form, will, I regret to think, be highly distasteful to many."

That is where the science led and he followed.

 

 

 

Readings on: The theory of evolution–– results and significance

Darwin, Charles The Descent of Man Vol. II, John Murray, London 1891 [abstract– 120 words] — human beings are, without doubt, descended from less highly organized form

The conclusion that humans are descended with other mammals from a common ancestor is based on solid observations.

There is a “close similarity between man and the lower animals in embryonic development, as well as in innumerable points of structure and constitution.”

Just as it is with other organisms human reproduction rates tend to exceed the food supply. This leads to a struggle for existence and the actions of natural selection on the human population.

To many people the idea that we are descended from some lowly organized form is not only distasteful but highly irreligious. However, we must acknowledge that despite the special qualities humans possess they carry in their bodies indisputable evidence of their lowly origins.