Charles Darwin Wife / Spouse

Charles Darwin (1809-1882) was a British scientist who revolutionized the world of his time with his ideas of biologic evolution through natural selection. He explained all his theories in his book The Origin of Species (1859), in which he evokes numerous examples from nature that justify his ideas. Darwin believed that all species have evolved through a process of natural selection and that they have a common ancestor. The scientific contributions of this British naturalist have greatly influenced science to this day. Several factors influenced his successful scientific career. One of those factors was Charles Darwin wife, Emma Darwin. She was a fabulous woman who supported Darwin unconditionally throughout his life.

Knowing Emma Darwin

Emma Darwin, also known as Emma Wedgwood, (1808-1896) was a well-to-do Englishwoman, raised under the teachings of the Anglican religion. She spent most of her life in a boarding school where she received the best education. After finishing high school, she went on a trip to Europe with her parents and siblings. Thanks to that trip, she was enriched culturally because she attended concerts and plays starring great artists of the time. Upon returning from her trip, she turned down several marriage proposals because she had to take care of her mother and older sister, both of whom were seriously ill.

The beginning of the love story

While Emma divided her time between caring for her sick mother and sisters and traveling around Europe, Charles Darwin worked on various geological research projects. Emma and Charles were cousins, but that did not stop them from falling in love. There is not much information about the beginning of their relationship, but it is known that Darwin liked his cousin for a long time. One day he showed up at Emma’s house and proposed to her. She accepted and they were married on November 11, 1838. At first they lived in London, but then they moved to a mansion in the county of Kent.

A question of faith

Charles Darwin spouse was educated under the Anglican religion and was a woman of deep faith. Emma Darwin clung to her religious beliefs to get through difficult circumstances, as it gave her inner peace. Charles Darwin, on the other hand, was an agnostic. Agnosticism has no concrete definition of God, as there is no evidence for or against his existence. Darwin only believed in what he saw and what he could prove. Despite this difference in religious concepts, the couple respected each other and the subject did not cause quarrels within the marriage.

Large family

Emma and Charles Darwin were together for 40 years, a lifetime. During that period they had 10 children whom they loved deeply. The marriage went through two tragedies: two children died. One of them, a boy, died a few days after birth. In the other case, a 10-year-old daughter died. The eight surviving children received a loving and supportive upbringing, which was unusual for the time. Generally, British education in those years was very severe because it was believed that children grew up better that way. However, love and harmony always prevailed in the Darwin family.

Persuasion

Although Charles Darwin and his wife Emma did not share the same religious faith, they managed to get along perfectly well. Charles Darwin wife supported her husband in all his endeavors and cared for him when he was sick or stressed. Throughout their marriage, Emma persuaded Darwin to open his heart to the Christian faith. Although this was difficult for him, Darwin became an Anglican through his wife’s influence. The natural scientist felt it was good for him to believe in something beyond science.

Conclusion

Emma and Charles Darwin stayed together all their lives and happily raised ten children. Charles Darwin spouse was a sweet, smart and supportive woman who knew how to understand the complex life of the natural scientist. Those who want to be inspired by this ideal couple to form a lifelong marriage should know that their great secret was respect. Emma lovingly tolerated all the difficulties that her husband’s scientific activity entailed. She focused on taking care of him and their children so that there would be harmony. Each of them was happy with what they were doing and when they were together peace reigned.

Summary:

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