Commentary

Time

…”On why everyone should read On the Origin of Species: “Great books of science, like all great books, are worth reading not just for what they add to objective knowledge; they are worth reading because they advance our liberal education. Just as we don’t read Dante for a sneak peek at the afterlife or because we expect someday to be confronted with a diabolical architecture of circles within circles and punishments suited to our sins, we don’t read Darwin because what he says is what scientists now believe — much of it isn’t. We read him because a book of eloquent argument and well-ordered evidence…reminds us of the powers of the human mind to bring light to darkness, make a clearing in the wood of confusion.” (Emphasis added)

Source: Time, February 12, 2009