Happy Darwin Day!

On this day in 1809, a boy was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England. His name was Charles Robert Darwin, and he influenced the world in such a way that many can only dream of.

He grew up to be a naturalist and geologist, and we know him most prominently because of the theory of evolution. While a controversial theory it is, and not everyone agrees with it, we cannot ignore the contributions that Charles Darwin has made to the scientific community.

As the people behind Darwin Day say:

While Darwin’s remarkable impact on biology, cosmology, and the scientific process generally cannot be understated, it is again his undeniable desire for truth through scientific discovery, his unwavering curiosity to discover that which was hidden (naturally or purposefully), and his determination to brave intellectual depths that inspires us.

So today, we celebrate this curiosity, this intellect.

So what do you do on Darwin Day?

Practically whatever you feel is a fitting commemoration. There is an Events Page from Darwin.org, which gives you ideas for your own event – from acts of kindness (feed the homeless?) to holding a Darwin discourse (even if it’s over a bottle of wine).

You can also find events near you, so you can join likeminded individuals in celebrating Darwin Day.