"Discover the truth behind Darwin's theory of evolution and the myths surrounding the origin of humans."
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| Charles Darwin (Photo: iStock) |
Unveiling Facts: Charles Darwin and the Theory of Evolution
When hearing the name Charles Darwin, many immediately associate it with the idea that humans evolved from apes. However, a thorough study by Ali Akbar, an archaeologist from the University of Indonesia, has revealed that Darwin's scientific reality is far different from this popular perception.
Misconception: Misleading Caricatures
In a book discussion at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jakarta, Ali Akbar asserted that after studying Darwin's books *On The Origin of Species* and *The Descent of Man*, no claims were found that humans originated from apes.
The first book, published in 1859, primarily focuses on the evolution of animals and plants through natural selection. Darwin himself only hinted that "light will be thrown on the origin of man and his history," without directly mentioning a connection with apes.
Origin of Misunderstanding: Viral Satirical Illustrations
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| A mocking caricature of Charles Darwin from the satirical magazine The Hornet in 1871 which ultimately made people all over the world think that Darwin said humans came from apes. |
Ali Akbar revealed that the mistaken narrative about humans and apes originated from a satirical cartoon in *The Hornet* magazine. This 1871 cartoon depicted Darwin with an ape's body, ironically convincing the world of something Darwin never actually said.
Darwin's Truth: The Theory of Human Origin
In *The Descent of Man*, also available as an eBook on Gutenberg.org, Darwin explains the theory of human origin and evolution. He hypothesized that human ancestors may have originated in Africa, similar to gorillas and chimpanzees. However, there is no explicit statement that humans evolved from apes; only that both species may have had a common ancestor in Africa.
Conclusion: Understanding Darwin Correctly
The Hornet's cartoon created a global misunderstanding about Darwin's views. However, by understanding the context and content of his work, we can appreciate Darwin's contributions to science without getting caught in long-standing myths.
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