on the origin of species by means of natural selection

The idea that humans are the result of evolution and chance rather than fate and purpose represented a significant threat to some of the principle ideas behind Christianity. He largely brushed off critiques from Christian thought-leaders and the Church and showed genuine concern for standing behind his theories and work. Though Darwin had prepared himself for negative responses from critics, the pushback he received for his ideas was largely what he had expected, though not to the degree that he had anticipated. His theory, however, was in part accepted by a large number of influential scientists and, eventually, it came to be regarded as a masterwork. Charles Darwin had waited over 20 years to publish his theory of evolution by natural selection, primarily to develop a thorough report and thus avoid rejection from both the scientific and religious communities. Regardless, Darwin faced intense criticism from the Church and leading religious thinkers. On the Origin of Species sold out almost immediately upon publication. Ultimately these ideas influenced the way we view evolution and led to the adoption of scientific naturalism as a valid point of view for many prominent thinkers and academics. The vast majority of these were based on his time exploring the Galapagos Islands. In it, Darwin introduced a number of fascinating ideas and observations about how species evolve. This book is viewed by many as the work that laid much of the groundwork for evolutionary biology. On November 24, 1859, Charles Darwin published one of the most important scientific theories regarding evolution: On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life. Important ideas presented and supported by On the Origin of Species

On the origin of species by means of natural selection