From Darwin's theory, a sense of wonder

The Seattle Times occasionally hosts guest columnists on faith and values. Today we bring you Barbara Dority, a humanist.

Feb. 12, 2009, will be the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth.

Scientists, rationalists, humanists, atheists and religious people of all kinds will celebrate Darwin Day around the globe. As described at www.darwinday.org, this annual event will get special attention this year, with more than 250 events planned in 30 countries.

Locally, a Darwin Day celebration, including cake, interactive games and a Darwin impersonation contest, will be held 1:30-4 p.m. tomorrow at the Juanita Community Club in Kirkland.

The theory of evolution and its primary mechanism of natural selection was developed jointly by Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace. It has been described as "the most powerful idea in science" and is today supported by an immense body of facts and empirical observations in a wide variety of fields. Well-known geneticist and evolutionary biologist Theodosius Dobzhansky famously stated that "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution."

Darwin and Wallace's theory explains how humankind developed physically over the past millions of years. It also helps us understand human psychology and morality. Many human behaviors and emotional systems clearly developed to advance our fitness to survive and reproduce. For example, Darwin's theory easily explains the evolutionary advantage of "doing unto others." Treating others well helps us prosper as a species.

The theory also explains the special treatment we give our immediate family, friends and members of the same tribe or group. Nurturing those close to us is another way we help the species thrive.

Some people are dismayed or even threatened by the concept of evolution. It supports the conclusion that humans were not specially created by a supernatural being. Rather, we are all members of a species that has descended slowly over time from precursor life-forms.

Although neither Darwin nor evolutionary science can prove that there is no divine intervention or human afterlife, they greatly weaken such arguments. They lead scientists and rational thinkers to conclude that our existences are limited to whatever time we have on earth. I believe, along with humanist philosopher Bertrand Russell, that:

... When I die I shall rot, and nothing of my ego will survive.

Surprising to many, this understanding emboldens and excites me as well as other freethinkers. With only a brief time in the here and now, I know that I must work to find value in my life and that I have a unique opportunity to do what I can to help others and preserve the planet. Again, Bertrand Russell found hope and optimism in the brief human journey:

Happiness is nonetheless true happiness because it must come to an end, nor do thought and love lose their value because they are not everlasting.

In spite of my ultimate demise, I find the human experience thrilling. All species exist on this earth because of a singular evolutionary process. DNA analysis and changes during fetal development prove we are all connected in a single web of life. We are all companions on this journey through time. Therefore, don't we as humans, with the most advanced brains, have a responsibility to not only cause no harm to other species but to serve as stewards of our planet?

Isn't it up to us to apply our highly evolved mental and cultural values in a way that respects and honors the long evolutionary process?

Evolution answers the big question of where we come from. It is up to us to combine this knowledge and wisdom with human compassion to influence the environmental changes that will determine how evolution plays out in the future.

Chief Seattle said it well:

Humans merely share the earth. We can only protect the land, not own it.

The choices are ours. Our decisions will affect all life on this planet far into the future.