25 Evolutionary Facts About Charles Darwin

4. The Church of England Gave Darwin A Belated Apology

Charles Darwin’s faith in God declined while he studied Divinity at Cambridge University. While Darwin remained quiet about this throughout most of his life, he did discuss a bit about his change in religion. He explained how he questioned faith and the Bible. While Darwin never truly gave up on God, the Church of England gave up on Darwin.

One hundred twenty-five years after Darwin’s death, the Church of England issued Darwin an apology. The church stated, “Charles Darwin: 200 years from your birth, the Church of England owes you an apology for misunderstanding you and…encouraging others to misunderstand you still…”

3. Charles Darwin Became A Huge Supporter Of England After The Country Abolished Slavery

Charles Darwin always cared for England. However, his emotions started to run deeper for England once they decided to abolish slavery. Darwin, who wrote more than he spoke out about social issues, often stated his distaste for the institution of slavery.

Once England abolished slavery, Darwin stated, “I have watched how steadily the general feeling, as shown at elections, has been rising against slavery. What a proud thing for England if she is the first European nation which utterly abolishes it!”

2. A Freed Slaved Inspired Charles Darwin

Not only did Charles Darwin despise the institution of slavery, but a freed slave by the name of John Edmonstone inspired Darwin. Edmonstone taught Darwin taxidermy at Edinburgh University. Edmonstone also joined Darwin on his voyage around the world.

Throughout the voyage, Darwin continued to learn from Edmonstone. For example, Darwin preserved the famed finches he collected on his trip through techniques Edmonstone taught him. Without the teachings of Edmonstone, Darwin believed he would have struggled to understand bugs and animals. Darwin became interested in natural history because of Edmonstone.

1. Darwin Took His Famous Voyage Around The World Because Of A Tutor

Charles Darwin had a unique hunger for knowledge, but he didn’t come up with every idea alone. Darwin never once took the full credit he deserved, but he always gave credit where it needed to go. For instance, he noted how John Edmonstone inspired him on his voyage around the world.

Another person who set Charles Darwin up for his success spent his time teaching Darwin in college. Darwin’s tutor told him to take a biology research trip around the world on the HMS Beagle. However, it wasn’t to learn more about the world but understand his views on religion.

Where did we find this stuff? Here are our sources:

“7 surprising facts about Charles Darwin.” Russel McLendon, Treehugger. May 15, 2020.

“6 Things Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin Had In Common.” Mark Manchini, Metalfloss. February 2019.

“JOHN EDMONSTONE: THE FREED SLAVE WHO INSPIRED CHARLES DARWIN.” Melissa Pandika, Ozy. May 2014.

“33 Interesting Facts About Charles Darwin.” The Fact File. September 2019.

“10 Things You May Not Know About Charles Darwin.” Christopher Klein, History. February 2014.