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A review by carolann331
The Voyage of the Beagle: Charles Darwin's Journal of Researches by Charles Darwin
5.0
What a fascinating book! I listened to the Audible version wonderfully narrated by Barnaby Edwards. It felt very personal - like joining Darwin near the fireplace after dinner each evening to listen to his adventures and discoveries. As a result, I have gained great appreciation for Darwin's efforts and contributions.
In the past, I have always associated his name with the theory of evolution but there is so much more! I am astounded that he was only in his early twenties on this voyage and had already developed high levels of observation, critical thinking, and detailed writing. I appreciated and enjoyed his thought processes about what he observed, how he contrasted and compared it with other locations, and how he reasoned the mechanisms and concepts that produced whatever he was observing, be it geology, ecology, biology, geography, sociology, and even astronomy. The depth of his understanding of the sciences was amazing. I especially loved the language he used including words like "manufactories" and "geologizing". His experiences with Gauchos and the Mules with their Madrinas were fun, too. I even pulled out my atlas to visualize and follow along the journey.
His closing statements are definitely words of wisdom to live by. His interest in the world drove his education, which was NOT spoon fed to him. While he did obtain some formal education, the majority of his education came from his own curiosity and delving into research of his own and that of others. He understood how all the systems are linked and affect each other over time.
As I see it, his curiosity and interest drove his desire to understand the world around him. His interest led to focused observation, which led to research and critical thinking, which resulted in an individual with utmost appreciation and respect for our wondrous earth and all living things upon it.
Definitely one of my all-time favorites. I hope you'll give it a chance and that you'll enjoy it as much as I did.
In the past, I have always associated his name with the theory of evolution but there is so much more! I am astounded that he was only in his early twenties on this voyage and had already developed high levels of observation, critical thinking, and detailed writing. I appreciated and enjoyed his thought processes about what he observed, how he contrasted and compared it with other locations, and how he reasoned the mechanisms and concepts that produced whatever he was observing, be it geology, ecology, biology, geography, sociology, and even astronomy. The depth of his understanding of the sciences was amazing. I especially loved the language he used including words like "manufactories" and "geologizing". His experiences with Gauchos and the Mules with their Madrinas were fun, too. I even pulled out my atlas to visualize and follow along the journey.
His closing statements are definitely words of wisdom to live by. His interest in the world drove his education, which was NOT spoon fed to him. While he did obtain some formal education, the majority of his education came from his own curiosity and delving into research of his own and that of others. He understood how all the systems are linked and affect each other over time.
As I see it, his curiosity and interest drove his desire to understand the world around him. His interest led to focused observation, which led to research and critical thinking, which resulted in an individual with utmost appreciation and respect for our wondrous earth and all living things upon it.
Definitely one of my all-time favorites. I hope you'll give it a chance and that you'll enjoy it as much as I did.