I wish you all a happy Origins Day

Well, tomorrow November 24, 2004 marks the 145th anniversary of the release of Origin of Species through Natural Selection. TJ and I decided this date needs celebration. Why, you ask? Because Darwin is the most influential thinker of the last two centuries, if not the whole of history. It's not only the fact that his theories have had an unbelievable impact on biology. It's the fact that every branch of human thought has been changed by this theory. It's because Darwin was the first person to publish a book for the lay reader and the expert It's because was Darwin was one of those amazing people who loved what he was looking at with all his heart, and wanted to share that love with everyone in the world.

The Theory of evolution is still shaking up the world, and will continue to do so for a very long time. In recent years, it has affected art, economics, psychology, business, computers, religion, and politics, and it's still spreading ripples.

The Origin of Species also started the idea of explaining ideas to those outside the scientific community. Hell, he started science education with this (I exaggerate slightly). Darwin also spent a great deal of time teaching the public, explaining his theories, and fighting against ignorance. Even today, evolutionary biology seems to attract the best scientific explainers... Dawkins, Gould, Asimov, Denette, they all share this passion to show the world why we love evolution, why the world makes so much more sense with it there.

This great man is one of my biggest role-models. He is perhaps what every scientist dreams of being, and his (and his book's) place in history are safely secured. I raise a glass to you, Charles, where ever you may be. Goodnight.