Charles Darwin and Abraham Lincoln were born on exactly the same day — exactly two hundred and fifteen years ago today. I find the intellectual connection between the two men fascinating.
Darwin’s concept of evolution and natural selection helped to create the intellectual climate within which Lincoln was able to bring about emancipation. For one thing, evolution helped people to understand that just as species can evolve over time, so can societies.
But even more important, the knowledge that all humans have a common ancestry supported the moral argument against slavery. When you understand the theory of evolution, you understand that the concept of “racial superiority” is no more than a self-indulgent (though highly dangerous) fantasy.
Let us all celebrate this double birthday!