The Darwin myth

About this book

In the 150 years since the publication of Origin of Species, Charles Darwin's reputation has wavered between two extremes--secular saint or heretic. But the truth is much more complicated than that. While he was by all accounts a kind and virtuous man, Darwin's theory of evolution and natural selection has been one of the most destructive ideas in history. So who is Charles Darwin? What did he really believe--and what did his research really prove? In The Darwin Myth: The Life and Lies of Charles Darwin, Benjamin Wiker cuts through the myths and misconceptions and sets the record straight. Taking a "wars and all" approach, Wiker offers a critical examination of Darwin's theories as well as the scientific, social, and religious implications of his life and work. In The Darwin Myth, Wiker reveals: why Darwin didn't "discover" evolution; how Darwin set out to create a godless version of evolution; why many of his best friends and allies criticized Darwin's theory, and how he never refuted their objections; how "social Darwinism" is not a misapplication of Darwinism, but is Darwinism; why Darwin's theory supported natural slavery, an institution he abhorred; how much of what we know about Darwin comes from his Autobiography--which at key points is downright misleading; how Darwin helped make ideological atheism the battle cry of science. Instructive and illuminating, The Darwin Myth casts aside Darwinism's politically correct veneer and offers a critical, scientific analysis of Darwin's life and his history-changing theory. --Publisher's note.