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, Scientific American, 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. Thus 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:
