Charles Darwin was born in Shrewsbury, England, and from a young age was fascinated by the natural world. After completing studies at Cambridge in arts and divinity, he was asked to accompany the HMS Beagle on a two-year voyage to survey the coast of South America. It was the be the most significant event of his life; he collected and examined a great many undiscovered species and became renown as a scientist on his return to Britain.

As a result of these observations, he was able to formulate his theory of evolution and his idea of “natural selection” — On The Origin of Species was published in 1859 and Descent of Man in 1871.

In the former, he postulated that it was due to natural selection in the struggle for life that those who were best adapted to their surroundings would survive and perpetuate the species. He also proposed that the struggle for survival was more difficult amongst species that closely resembled each other — and different species’ advantages in gaining food, such as variations, were most beneficial in that regard. Only the best adapted will not die out.

The Descent of Man drew attention to similarities between humans and animals, advancing the theory that there must be a common ancestor between humans and anthropoid apes. It’s a concept that many still find challenging today. Darwin’s influence on scientific thinking and findings have influenced ethics and the science of philosophy.