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 traditions that are relevant to only a specific country or culture, and, they have often 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.
The following prominent scientists, educators, philosophers, and writers support our efforts to celebrate science and humanity:
