
THE DESTINY OF MANVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF HIS ORIGIN
JOHN FISKE
PREFACE.
THE DESTINY OF MAN. - I.
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VII.
A thoughtful essay that asks what humanity’s beginnings reveal about its future, this work traces the arc from the ancient Copernican shift to Darwin’s theory of evolution. The author weaves scientific insights with philosophical reflection, showing how our growing understanding of nature reshapes ideas of purpose, morality, and the possibility of progress beyond mere survival. By exploring the emergence of consciousness, the lengthening of childhood, and the rising significance of the mind, the narrative invites listeners to reconsider what makes us uniquely human.
The discussion moves beyond pure science, hinting at how these discoveries intersect with spiritual questions and the long‑standing hope for an afterlife. Though the author acknowledges the limits of empirical proof, the essay suggests that our expanding knowledge can still inform a hopeful vision of a society free from war and guided by ethical development. Listeners will find a balanced blend of history, biology, and speculative thought that challenges conventional views while remaining rooted in the evidence of its time.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (109K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Barbara Tozier, Bill Tozier and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2005-12-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1842–1901
A lively 19th-century American writer, he helped bring big ideas about evolution, history, and religion to a wide audience. His books aimed to make complex debates feel clear, readable, and connected to everyday intellectual life.
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by John Fiske

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by John Fiske