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Sunday, February 12, 2012

Happy Darwin Day!!!

Charles Darwin was born on February 12, 1809.

Although I dislike celebrating traditional holidays, that doesn't mean that I'm anti-holiday across the board. ;-)

My complaint with traditional holidays is that either they have drifted from the original premise for which they were founded or that the original premise is no longer something that resonates within contemporary society. An example of the first situation is when a solemn celebration of some ethical/spiritual concern gets hijacked by crass consumerism. An example of the second is when a holiday is founded on a supernatural event or Bronze Age myth. In either case, the modern celebration has no valid basis beyond mere traditionalism.

On the other hand, most unofficial holidays have clarity in premise and authenticity in expression, unburdened by societal practice or the encrustations of tradition. Such a holiday is Darwin Day, which directs us to the appreciation and practice of Science, specifically as it relates to our understanding of humanity as a part of the greatness of Being.

And that's something that I can appreciate without candy hearts, colored eggs, or a turkey dinner. Maybe a banana cream pie. . .

Happy Darwin Day!!!

So, let's celebrate the birth date of Charles Darwin and reflect on the awesome wonders of Science.

Enjoy!!!

1 comment:

  1. I appreciate your view of holidays. I also find most modern holidays to be irrelevant at best and obnoxious at worst. I like Darwin Day, though. That's someone who has actually had an impact on my life! Much more than any old Saint ...

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