Celebrations
are an important part of every culture. They provide a
tradition and a common bond to be shared among those who
make up their culture, permitting them to experience a
meaningful connection to one another and to the principles
to which they subscribe. Unfortunately most celebrations
are based on ancient tribal myths that are relevant to
only a specific country or culture, and, they have always
been, and continue to be, the source of serious conflicts.
At
this juncture in history, the world has become so small
and interdependent that we need a Global Celebration to
promote a common-bond between all people. The Darwin Day
Celebration was founded on the premise that Science, like
Music, is an international language that speaks to all
people in very similar ways. While music is both intellectual
and entertaining, science is our most reliable
knowledge system and it has been, and continues
to be, acquired through human curiosity and ingenuity.
Moreover, evolution, introduced by Charles Darwin, has
become the central organizing principle
for all basic scientific research; particularly in biology
but also in physics and cosmology. In addition, Darwin
himself has become an internationally acclaimed figure,
whose influence on progressive modern thought continues
to be both profound and pervasive (Ernst Mayr, Darwin's
Influence on Modern Thought, Sci. Amer. July 2000).
Current
research in the field of genetics, including that on the
human genome, has conclusively shown that all humans are
essentially identical and that we are genetically related
to all other living things on this planet. Therefore an
enlightened view of genetics is one of unity and equality
among all humans and also one that fosters a deeper sense
of respect and appreciation for all life. Today the validity
of Darwin's theory of evolution by Natural Selection rests
in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of genetics.
Therefore we conclude that Charles Darwin is a worthy
symbol on which to focus, in order to build a Global Celebration
of Science and Humanity that is intended to promote a
common bond between all people of the earth.
