Spring Break
Visiting professor honors Darwin's birthday legacy
'The Man & The Myth' lecture Thursday evening ommemorates Charles Darwin's 200th birthday
Shyna Gill
Issue date: 2/6/09 Section: News
Mott T. Greene, a professor at the University of Puget Sound, presented a lecture on Thursday evening titled "Charles Darwin, The Man & The Myth".
Greene, a John Magee Professor of Science and Values, presented the first lecture of the Horning-Endowment "Darwin 1809-2009" series of events, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth.
Darwin was born in England and later worked as a naturalist. He developed the theory of natural selection, which was highlighted in his groundbreaking book "On the Origin of Species" in 1859.
Greene discussed this actual historical person, whose 200th birthday is being celebrated on Feb. 12, but also discussed the mythological figure, cult hero and villain named Charles Darwin whose birthday will be observed on Nov. 24 of this year.
Greene gave an overhead presentation featuring slides of Darwin's early life.
"As a young man, he was a vigorous, risk-taking, natural historian and explorer," Greene said.
Greene explained that the "mythological Darwin" is described by how people view him as both a hero and a villain. Darwin has been viewed as being a "rationalist superhero and atheist icon" throughout history.
Greene's lecture was light-hearted and humorous with many laughs coming from audience members.
"I thought it was informative with a witty and interesting presentation style," said Nick Blanchard, a graduate student in history.
Greene explained how Darwin became a recluse after he retired from public life after age 34. "He was chronically and severely ill throughout adult life," Greene said.
Greene believes he suffered from "atopic eczema potentiated by stress" as well as a severe gastro-intestinal disorder in which his esophagus remained open and allowed contents from his stomach to empty into his mouth, which later rotted many of his teeth.
Greene said that Darwin's nights consisted of restless sleep and racing thoughts. According to Greene, over 80 nights out of the year, he was severely ill throughout the night.
Greene, a John Magee Professor of Science and Values, presented the first lecture of the Horning-Endowment "Darwin 1809-2009" series of events, commemorating the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth.
Darwin was born in England and later worked as a naturalist. He developed the theory of natural selection, which was highlighted in his groundbreaking book "On the Origin of Species" in 1859.
Greene discussed this actual historical person, whose 200th birthday is being celebrated on Feb. 12, but also discussed the mythological figure, cult hero and villain named Charles Darwin whose birthday will be observed on Nov. 24 of this year.
Greene gave an overhead presentation featuring slides of Darwin's early life.
"As a young man, he was a vigorous, risk-taking, natural historian and explorer," Greene said.
Greene explained that the "mythological Darwin" is described by how people view him as both a hero and a villain. Darwin has been viewed as being a "rationalist superhero and atheist icon" throughout history.
Greene's lecture was light-hearted and humorous with many laughs coming from audience members.
"I thought it was informative with a witty and interesting presentation style," said Nick Blanchard, a graduate student in history.
Greene explained how Darwin became a recluse after he retired from public life after age 34. "He was chronically and severely ill throughout adult life," Greene said.
Greene believes he suffered from "atopic eczema potentiated by stress" as well as a severe gastro-intestinal disorder in which his esophagus remained open and allowed contents from his stomach to empty into his mouth, which later rotted many of his teeth.
Greene said that Darwin's nights consisted of restless sleep and racing thoughts. According to Greene, over 80 nights out of the year, he was severely ill throughout the night.
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