Whenever faced with a hard life choice, numerous individuals compose down a list of cons and pros. Many successful individuals employ this trick– consisting of British naturalist Charles Darwin.
Darwin, the pioneering scientist whom we owe the theory of development, used a rational approach in most of his ventures. He was a true researcher. Nevertheless, some individuals may discover it odd to discover that Darwin really utilized the very same technique in his romantic life too.
Charles Darwin and his spouse Emma. Credit: Public Domain.
Scribbling on the back of a letter from a pal, Darwin noted the benefits and drawbacks of marrying his cousin Emma Wedgwood. The initial manuscripts are in the Darwin Archive in Cambridge University Library; these modified records were originally published in Correspondence vol. 2, Appendix IV.
Very first note, after 7 April 1838
If not wed Travel. Europe, yes? America????
If I travel it should be solely geological United States, Mexico Depend upon health & & vigour & how far I become Zoological
Wed.
If I do not travel. — Work at transmission of Species– Microscope easiest types of life– Geology.?. earliest developments ?? Some experiments– physiological observation on lower animals
— Thesethings excellent for ones health.– Imagine livingall ones day solitarily in smoky filthy London House.–( But then it isvery bad for ones health to work too much ). The Governor says quickly for otherwise
bad if one has children– ones character is more flexibleVersatile ones feelings sensations lively Dynamic if one does not marry wedQuickly one misses so much good pure happiness.– you will be worse than a negro– And then ghastly hardship,( without ones spouse was better than an angel & had money )– Never mind my kid– Cheer up– One can not live this singular life, with groggy old age, friendless & cold, & childless staring one in ones face, currently beginning to wrinkle.
Not Marry.
To marry or not– 2nd Note, MS Dar 210.8:2 r, © Cambridge University Library.
— Imagine livingall ones day solitarily in smoky unclean London House. Marlbro St.
If wed– indicates restricted, Feel task to work for cash. London life, absolutely nothing however Society, no country, no trips, no large Zoolog. Much better even than near London nation home.
–( But then it isvery bad for ones health to work too much ). The Governor states quickly for otherwise
bad if one has childrenKids ones character is more flexible– ones feelings sensations lively Vibrant if one does not marry soon, one misses so much good great happinessJoy– you will be worse than a negro– And then horrid poverty,( without ones other half was better than an angel & had money )– Never mind my kid– Cheer up– One can not live this singular life, with groggy old age, friendless & cold, & childless gazing one in ones deal with, already beginning to wrinkle.
— Systematiz.– Study affinities.
This is the Question.
Children–( if it Please God)– Constant companion,(& & buddy in aging) who will feel thinking about one,– challenge be precious & & had fun with.—- much better than adog anyhow.– Home, & & someone to take care ofhouse– Charms of music & & female chit-chat.– Thesethings great for ones health.– however terrible loss of time.–.
Second note, July 1838.
I have a lot more pleasure in direct observation, that I could not go on as Lyell does, remedying & & adding up new details to old train & & I do not see what line can be followed by male connected down to London.–.
In country, experiment & & observations on lower animals,– more area–.