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I discovered, though unconsciously and insensibly, that the pleasure of observing and reasoning was a much higher one than that of skill and sport. The primeval instincts of the barbarian slowly yielded to the acquired tastes of the civilized man.

— Charles Darwin Autobiography (1958)

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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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