In terms of how much I enjoyed reading this book, I give it 4 stars. However, obviously, if I were to rate it based on its importance and profoundness, it would easily be 5 stars. It is a rather dense book, and while interesting, it can take a while to get through.

I think one of the most fascinating things about this book is just how much Darwin was able to deduce in a time before people knew about DNA or even understood genetics. There were many points in the book where he began on a path, and I would think, "Oh, we know the answer to this now thanks to DNA," and then I read on and see that he managed to come to the correct conclusion! Albeit accompanied by some uncertainty since he knew at the time he could not prove a lot of what he was saying. It is quite amazing what people are able to figure out if they are extremely dedicated to understanding something and are very scientifically minded.

Darwin is a scientist through and through, and you can see that not just in his dedication to experimentation, research, and excellent deductions, but in his humility and his openness to potentially being wrong. He does not proclaim himself any sort of "genius," and he does not ignore arguments against his theory; rather, he takes those arguments as a challenge to see if his theory can stand up to them; he makes it clear that if his theory were to fail, he would openly accept this (incidentally, his theory has been going strong for close to 200 years now!) All good scientists should take a page out of Darwin's book (figuratively) and adopt this spirit. Even if you develop one of the most influential and groundbreaking theories ever devised, it is important to always stay humble and always look for ways in which you may be wrong, even if you hope with all of your heart that you are right! ( )

Endless forms most beautiful, indeed.
A pivotal publication hewing to the the basic foundation tying all of biology together. A must read for biology geeks such as me, and I finally read it. ( )

Amazing ( )

On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin

BIBLIOGRAPHIC DETAILS:
Below are the versions that Amazon has gathered together as different formats of the same material. I will take their word for it—I listened to the audio version.

Print: COPYRIGHT ©: (1872) 9/8/2021; ISBN: 979-8473178807; PUBLISHER: Independently published; PAGES: 529; (Info from Amazon)

Digital: ©: (1872) March 20, 2024; ASIN: BOCWR1TLB6; PAGES: 693; Unabridged (Info from Amazon.com)

*Audio: COPYRIGHT ©: (1872) 27 Aug 2007; PUBLISHER: CSA Word; DURATION: 6 hrs. (approx..); Abridged; (Info from version available in Libby app)
(Amazon gives an ISBN for this version of 978-1904605775 and a publication date of 11/25/2006)
Feature Film or tv: No

SERIES: No

SUMMARY/ EVALUATION:
SELECTED: I have long wanted to read Darwin’s “Origin of Species”. This is abridged, but I have no idea HOW abridged. I looked up audiobook versions in the Libby app, and this looked like a good choice.
ABOUT: The theory of biological evolution via natural selection, whereby physical characteristics of plants and animals come and go based on their usefulness in the longevity of life and a species.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: Interesting. Though, I did detect a defensiveness against the idea of a “Creator” as though such a thing would ruin the entire evolution theory. Personally, I think this just indicates that while people can be quite open minded about a favorite theory, their imaginations can be surprisingly limited in other directions.

AUTHOR:
Charles Darwin: (From Wikipedia)
“Charles Robert Darwin FRS FRGS FLS FZS JP[6] (/ˈdɑːrwɪn/[7] DAR-win; 12 February 1809 – 19 April 1882) was an English naturalist, geologist and biologist,[8] widely known for his contributions to evolutionary biology. His proposition that all species of life have descended from a common ancestor is now generally accepted and considered a fundamental concept in science.[9] In a joint publication with Alfred Russel Wallace, he introduced his scientific theory that this branching pattern of evolution resulted from a process he called natural selection, in which the struggle for existence has a similar effect to the artificial selection involved in selective breeding.[10] Darwin has been described as one of the most influential figures in human history and was honoured by burial in Westminster Abbey.[11][12]”

NARRATOR & Editor:
Richard Dawkins- Excerpt from Wikipedia:
“Richard Dawkins FRS FRSL (born 26 March 1941)[3] is a British evolutionary biologist, zoologist, and author.[4] He is an emeritus fellow of New College, Oxford, and was Professor for Public Understanding of Science in the University of Oxford from 1995 to 2008. His 1976 book The Selfish Gene popularised the gene-centred view of evolution, as well as coining the term meme. Dawkins has won several academic and writing awards.[5]”
ME: Ahh, yes. I remember Mr. Dawkins now. He authored “The God Delusion”. Again, I can only say that while having an applaudable imagination for accepting theories of science, he is another one that has me feeling a bit judgmental with the opinion that there is a deplorable lack of imagination for an understanding of what “God” might be.
Great narrative voice.

GENRE:
Nonfiction; Science

SUBJECTS: (Not comprehensive
Evolutionary biology; natural selection; survival of the fittest; evolutionary tree

RATING:.
5 for all of the obvious research and power of intellect that went into this work.

STARTED READING – FINISHED READING
3/19/2024- 6/12/2024 ( )

Meticulously evidenced, carefully argued, and both cautious and revelatory, but consequently a little bit boring as a read. ( )