The 10 Most Influential Books of All Time
3. The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
On the Origin of Species, published on 24 November 1859, is a work of scientific literature by the British scientist Charles Darwin which is considered to be the foundation of evolutionary biology and modern science. Its full title was On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life.
In The Origin of Species, Darwin attempts to answer the question of why there is so much diversity of life. He puts forth the idea of evolution by natural selection and that common factors lead to change. He makes the point that although harsh, natural selection is a process that promotes improvement in all living things. According to The Origin of Species, “the extinction of some forms will be inevitable in a world governed by natural selection. Species will often be exterminated by competitors, thus in effect leaving room for the more successful species to multiply.” From Darwin’s work comes new emphasis on the study of nature and the importance of finding a way to share the planet with all species. It is most likely the most important scientific book ever written.
