HOW TO THINK LIKE

CHARLES DARWIN

BISSUEL Pierre 1

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DEVELOPING YOUR POWER OF OBSERVATION AND OPENING YOUR MIND:

“With such moderate abilities as I possess, it is truly surprising that I should have influenced to a considerable extent the belief of scientific men on some important points . . . I think I am superior to the common run of men in noticing things which easily escape attention, and in observing them carefully. My industry has been nearly as great as it could have been in the observation and collection of facts. What is far more important, my love of natural science has been steady and ardent.”

Charles Darwin

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DEVELOPING YOUR POWER OF OBSERVATION AND OPENING YOUR MIND:

Keys:

• Meticulous and comprehensive observations

• Collection of facts

• Love of natural science

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DEVELOPING YOUR POWER OF OBSERVATION AND OPENING YOUR MIND:

Keys:

• Wonderfully open and inquisitive mind

• Long pondering, patience and industry

• Keep the focus on his ideas and their dissemination

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THE EVOLUTION OF A GENIUS:

Passion and skill for hunting

Observing and reasoning

Taste for natural history and for collecting specimens

Enthusiasm, attention to detail

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THE EVOLUTION OF A GENIUS:

Capacity for total absorption in his subject

Serious interest in the natural sciences

Openness to new ideas

Keep his mind free

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THE POWER OF OBSERVATION:

Effective use of his unaffected passion for the nature

Love of science

Unbounded patience in long reflecting over my subject

Industry in observing and collecting facts

Fair share of invention as well as of common sense

Voyage of the Beagle to refine his skills

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VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE:

Most important event in his life Observations on flora, fauna, and geology Pleasure of investigation Strong desire to add a few facts

The voyage of the Beagle, 1831–1836

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First man to frame the idea of evolution as a comprehensive and well-supported scientific theory

How ? With remarkable attention to detail

Fundamental component of his self-described “methodical” working style

Mastery of an abundance of information

THE POWER OF OBSERVATION:

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Prove the veracity of his work through scientific method rather than showmanship or bombast

Famously gentle demeanor and consistent self-effacement

He gave credit to what he did with the mind he had

Dedicated effort to make the most of his mental abilities

A GENTLE NATURE, A GIANT IMPACT:

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Darwin died in 1882, and after great controversy, was buried in Westminster Abbey as a symbol of

reconciliation between science and faith.

A GENTLE NATURE, A GIANT IMPACT:

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ENDThank you for your listening

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