Oh my God how I do hate species & varieties
Unhappy Birthday Charles Darwin
It was on this day in 1809 that one of my favourite haters was born. Celebrated biologist, naturalist, and holder of the intimidating title, ‘Father of Evolution,’ Charles Darwin was undoubtedly one of the most intelligent people ever to have graced this earth. But he was also just a person. A person who, according to his letters, was often irritable, overworked, and exasperated. And seasick.
I hate every wave of the ocean.
Charles Darwin
Letter to his cousin, William Fox
15th February 1836
I loathe, I abhor the sea, & all ships which sail on it.
Charles Darwin
Letter to his sister, Susan Darwin
4th August 1836
I hate a Barnacle as no man ever did before, not even a Sailor in a slow-sailing ship.
Charles Darwin
Letter to William Fox
24th October 1852
Oh my God how I do hate species & varieties.
Charles Darwin
Letter to J. D. Hooker
11th March 1858
I am very tired, very stomachy & hate nearly the whole world.
Charles Darwin
Letter to Thomas Huxley
10th September 1860
I am very poorly today & very stupid & hate everybody & everything.
Charles Darwin
Letter to Charles Lyell
1st October 1861
I hate myself, I hate clover, and I hate bees.
Charles Darwin
Letter to John Lubbock
3rd September 1862
I am languid & bedeviled & hate writing & hate everybody.
Charles Darwin
Letter to J. D. Hooker
23rd June 1863
All of Darwin’s letters can be found at the wonderful website, Darwin Correspondence Project.
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I’ve been feeling like that myself the last couple of days. Good to know I am in such company.
Oh my gosh, this made me laugh.