The Origin of the Species Quotes

Context

This is a misquote attributed to Charles Darwin in The Origin of Species (1859).

You've probably seen this one all around the Interwebs and, we've gotta admit, it's pretty darn catchy. Famed evolutionary biologist, Charles Darwin, allegedly wrote these words, and there's something kind of cool about the idea that you don't have to be brainy or brawny to survive in this world—you've just got to adapt. Change is good!

Trouble is, Darwin never actually said this. It's more like a paraphrase of his ideas. The oldest example is in a 1963 speech by Leon C. Megginson, who summed up how he interpreted Darwin in a speech he gave to the Southwestern Social Science Association. Eventually, people started to attribute Megginson's quote to Darwin because that's how misquotes work.

So is the quote even an accurate repressive of what Darwin thought? Kind of. Being strong and smart definitely helps individual creatures get ahead. Stupid finches don't generally make it through the winter. But, for a species to keep on going, being able to change is key. So, yeah, as a group, people need to experiment and try new things to get ahead, but as a single person, you'd have better luck building your muscles and getting those advanced degrees.

Where you've heard it

You've definitely seen this quote bouncing around online. It's also a favorite of business-type people because it encourages them to think outside the box, engage in lateral thinking, and other cooperate buzzwords.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

We think most people will agree with this if you happen to mention it at your next social gathering. Of course, you may want to say it quietly around all the jocks and brains.