찰스 다윈
Naturalist; theory of evolution by natural selection
1,031 records in all
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Photo: Henry Maull (1829–1914) and John Fox (1832–1907) (Maull & Fox); derivative work: Beao Public domain Original cropped
47 basic records of 311
Episodes are real events from public sources, summarised by us.
Darwin bet a dozen young men that they could not sneeze after taking snuff if they consciously tried to. Despite their certainty that they would sneeze, the pressure of wanting to succeed caused their conscious minds to interrupt the reflex, and Darwin won the wager.
LessonFocusing too intently on a specific outcome can sometimes paralyze the natural processes required to achieve it.
Darwin observed that a specific ape, the Gibbon, could produce an exact octave of musical sounds. This led him to infer that human ancestors likely used musical tones for courtship before developing articulate speech.
LessonObserving specialized traits in others can reveal the fundamental origins of complex human behaviors.
Darwin observed that a blow to the nose, such as from a boxing glove, causes a copious secretion of tears even if the eyes are not hit. This happens because the nerves supplying the nose and the lacrymal glands are interconnected.
LessonSecondary effects in a system can be triggered by actions on seemingly unrelated but connected parts.
Darwin wanted to see if bright light caused the same muscle contractions as grief. He asked his children to stare at a tree against a bright sky without telling them why, observing their facial struggles.
LessonTesting a hypothesis on a small, accessible group can provide the first step of proof for a larger theory.
A man in India was forced by poverty to sell his favorite goat. Darwin analyzed the man's facial expressions during the transaction to confirm that the 'grief muscles' act the same way across different races.
LessonUniversal human emotions and reactions can be observed in high-stakes transactions like selling a prized possession.
Dr. W. Ogle reported to Darwin that patients preparing for surgery under chloroform often placed their hands over each other on their lower body. This posture signaled they were resigned to the inevitable procedure without great fear.
LessonPhysical stillness and specific hand placements can signal a mental state of resignation and acceptance.
Darwin observed that a white stratum dipped into the sea specifically under a volcanic hill. He reasoned that the hill didn't rise as high as the surrounding land because the volcanic eruptions consumed the energy that would have otherwise caused elevation.
LessonFocusing resources on one output can limit the growth or elevation of the overall structure.
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