Everything in nature is the result of fixed laws.
Charles DarwinRead
Often a cold shudder has run through me, and I have asked myself whether I may have not devoted myself to a fantasy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the uncertainty of devoting oneself to ideas or beliefs that may not be real.
Charles Darwin expresses a moment of self-doubt regarding the path he has chosen and the ideas he has devoted himself to. This introspection suggests that even great minds grapple with the fear of investing in theories or dreams that may ultimately prove to be illusory or unfounded, prompting a deeper contemplation of the nature of belief and understanding.
Themes
Self-DoubtUncertaintyBeliefFantasyIntrospection
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech on pursuing passions, one might quote Darwin to emphasize the importance of questioning our commitments.
More from Charles Darwin
All quotes βThe highest possible stage in moral culture is when we recognize that we ought to control our thoughts.
Charles DarwinRead
I am quite conscious that my speculations run beyond the bounds of true science....It is a mere rag of an hypothesis with as many flaw[s] & holes as sound parts.
Charles DarwinRead
We cannot fathom the marvelous complexity of an organic being; but on the hypothesis here advanced this complexity is much increased. Each living creature must be looked at as a microcosm--a little universe, formed of a host of self-propagating organisms, inconceivably minute and as numerous as the stars in heaven.
Charles DarwinRead
I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term of Natural Selection.
Charles DarwinRead
we are always slow in admitting any great change of which we do not see the intermediate steps
Charles DarwinRead
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