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The comparison here implied between the actions of one of the higher animals and of one so low in the scale as an earth-worm, may appear far-fetched; for we thus attribute to the worm attention and some mental power, nevertheless I can see no reason to doubt the justice of the comparison.

— Charles Darwin The Formation of Vegetable Mould through the Action of Worms (1881)

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More quotes by Charles Darwin

I feel most deeply that the whole subject is too profound for the human intellect. A dog might as well speculate on the mind of Newton. Let each man hope and believe what he can.

The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin (1887)

As for a future life, every man must judge for himself between conflicting vague probabilities.

The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin (1887)

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.

The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin (1887)

Even insects express anger, terror, jealousy, and love by their stridulation.

The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872)

We are a wretched family, and ought to be exterminated.

The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin (1887)

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Quote text and notes from Wikiquote: Charles Darwin (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source quality and labels are our own summary of what Wikiquote records.