Evolution
The development of living kinds over time; especially the theory of descent with modification by natural selection.
Works to read
- On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, 1859 · Great Books
- The Huxley-Wilberforce Debate by Thomas Henry Huxley and Samuel Wilberforce, 1860
Passages
From the texts
In considering the Origin of Species, it is quite conceivable that a naturalist, reflecting on the mutual affinities of organic beings, on their embryological relations, their geographical distribution, geological succession, and other such facts, might come to the conclusion that each species had not been independently created, but had descended, like varieties, from other species.
— Charles Darwin, On the Origin of Species
Verified quotations
Instead, the Framers defined rights in general terms, to permit future evolution in their scope and meaning.
— Supreme Court of the United States, Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization
Passages are verified quotations from the library that use one of these words: evolution, species, natural selection. Sentences under “From the texts” are copied word for word from the full texts in this library. Read each in its context on the work's page.