Darwin Gyan – Beyond Genetics

Darwin Gyan — Beyond Genetics

February 12 is celebrated as Darwin Day in memory of Charles Darwin. For most people who happily gave up biology after high school, the science of evolution is a memorable chapter — we all love to use his terms in our presentations and arguments. Natural selection. Adaptation through evolution. Survival of the fittest.

This year, rather than explain Darwin’s theories or discuss his life, we wanted to share a collection of his quotes that find relevance far beyond biosciences — with commentary from our eager biotechnologist (let’s call him BT), who sought the company of Copper & Kings when his hopes to write an epic about his idol were dashed.

Darwin on Ignorance

“Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.”

Right from the days of Copernicus, the non-scientific people have been more vocal about all things. BT: “Just look at how some politicos have developed their ‘confidence’ into an art form.”

Darwin on Adaptability

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.”

In today’s dynamic work environment, we should remember this rule first and foremost. Change is part of progress — embrace change and thrive.

Darwin on Collaboration

“In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.”

No wonder most job ads require quick thinkers who can fit well into their current teams. Many articles now prioritise attitude over skills, saying that skills can be learned anytime.

Darwin on Inheritance

“Two distinct elements are included under the term ‘inheritance’ — the transmission, and the development of characters.”

We are what we have picked up from our parents — some things came naturally and some required learning time. BT went on to discuss his genetic origins at length.

Darwin on Hope

“It is necessary to look forward to a harvest, however distant that may be, when some fruit will be reaped, some good effected.”

Never give up hope. Every cloud has a silver lining.

P.S. BT was so appalled when he read this post, he decided to part ways with Copper & Kings. When anyone expresses surprise at this new sobriety, he quotes Darwin: “An American monkey, after getting drunk on brandy, would never touch it again, and thus is much wiser than most men!”

About the author: Geethanjali Tanikella is part of the Corporate Communication team at MapmyGenome. She is a writer and editor with over 14 years of experience.