Tuesday, February 12th 2008
Happy Darwin Day
Whether or not you are hanging out near city hall, you can observe Darwin Day today. From their official website:
Darwin Day is an international celebration of science and humanity held on or around February 12, the day that Charles Darwin was born on in 1809. Specifically, it celebrates the discoveries and life of Charles Darwin — the man who first described biological evolution via natural selection with scientific rigor. More generally, Darwin Day expresses gratitude for the enormous benefits that scientific knowledge, acquired through human curiosity and ingenuity, has contributed to the advancement of humanity.
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UC Berkeley is even having its own celebration, with many events including a Darwin Day “Tree Party.” Their website is sparse on the Tree Party details, but at least it is happening at Wellman Hall and not the oaks by Memorial Stadium.
I first heard about Darwin Day this past weekend. As a friend of mine was leaving church some people from Revolution Books, a local communist bookstore, were passing out flyers. They were saying progressive Christians should support Darwin Day.
If you feel left out finding out about this great holiday when so much of the day has passed, fear not. Next year is the bicentennial of Darwin’s birth and you have a whole year to plan your celebration.
While Darwin has done great scientific work, there is one other person who should not be forgotten this day. Another great man was born on February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln.
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