Darwin's children drew all over the “On the Origin of Species” manuscript (2014) (theappendix.net)

Article summary

The article discusses how Charles Darwin's children drew on the manuscript of his book 'On the Origin of Species', providing a glimpse into the family life of the famous naturalist. The drawings, found on the back of the manuscript, include a battle scene between fruit and vegetable soldiers and a depiction of the Darwin family home. The article also explores Darwin's personal life, including his marriage to his cousin Emma and his thoughts on having children. The drawings and other personal documents are available online through the Darwin Manuscripts Project and Darwin Online.

Main themes

• Charles Darwin's family life
• Historical manuscripts and documents
• Science and nature
• Marriage and family dynamics
• Historical figures' personal lives

What commenters say

• Some people find it surprising that many historical figures, including Charles Darwin, married their cousins due to the smaller gene pool in smaller towns.
• The concept of parental responsibility and financial support has changed over time, with some arguing that children should support their parents in old age, while others believe it is not necessary.
• The structure of capitalism may not be the primary reason why children do not care for their parents, and emotional bonds and lifelong kin work can be more important than financial support.
• Some commenters disagree with the idea that children need to financially assist their parents in old age, suggesting that emotional support and care can be provided in other ways.
• The discussion touches on the topic of taxes and how they affect families, with some arguing that the current system is unfair and others believing that it is necessary for societal benefits.
• The article and comments highlight the human side of historical figures like Charles Darwin, showing that they had personal struggles and emotions despite their significant contributions to science and society.
• The importance of considering the historical context of marriage and family dynamics is emphasized, as well as the need to recognize the changes in societal values and expectations over time.
• Some commenters note that the idea of children supporting their parents financially is not a new concept, but rather a traditional one that has been altered by modern societal structures and expectations.