The Descent of Man
First published 1871 · English · 870 pages
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- Science and nature
In this later work Darwin applies his ideas about evolution directly to human beings. He argues that humans share ancestry with other animals and compares their bodies, behaviour, emotions and mental abilities with those of other species. He also considers how moral feelings and sympathy might have developed in social creatures.
A large part of the book turns to sexual selection, the idea that competition for mates and mate choice have shaped features such as bright plumage, song and weaponry across the animal world. It also discusses human differences, and some of its views on race and sex reflect the assumptions of its time. It remains a landmark in the study of human origins.
Quotes
Man differs from woman in size, bodily strength, hairiness, etc., as well as in mind, in the same manner as do the two sexes of many mammals.
other. My object in this chapter is to shew that there is no fundamental difference between man and the higher mammals in their mental faculties.
All animals feel Wonder, and many exhibit Curiosity. They sometimes suffer from this latter quality, as when the hunter plays antics and thus attracts them.
The highest stage in moral culture at which we can arrive, is when we recognise that we ought to control our thoughts.