Quotes from book
The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals

The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals

The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals is Charles Darwin's third major work of evolutionary theory, following On the Origin of Species and The Descent of Man . Initially intended as a chapter in The Descent of Man, The Expression was published separately in 1872 and concerns the biological aspects of emotional life. In this book, Darwin explores the animal origins of such human characteristics as the lifting of the eyebrows in moments of surprise and the mental confusion which typically accompanies blushing. A German translation of The Expression appeared in 1872; Dutch and French versions followed in 1873 and 1874. A second edition of the book, with only minor alterations, was published in 1890. Since its first publication, The Expression has never been out of print, but it has also been described as "Darwin's forgotten masterpiece".


Charles Darwin photo

“It is always advisable to perceive clearly our ignorance.”

Source: The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals

Charles Darwin photo

“Blushing is the most peculiar and most human of all expressions.”

Source: The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals

Charles Darwin photo

“Through the principle of associated habit, the same movements of the face and eyes are practised, and can, indeed, hardly be avoided, whenever we know or believe that others are blaming, or too strongly praising, our moral conduct.”

Source: The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872), chapter XIII: "Self-attention — Shame — Shyness — Modesty: Blushing", page 347 http://darwin-online.org.uk/content/frameset?pageseq=375&itemID=F1142&viewtype=image

Charles Darwin photo

“[T]he young and the old of widely different races, both with man and animals, express the same state of mind by the same movements.”

Source: The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872), chapter XIV: "Concluding Remarks and Summary", page 352 http://darwin-online.org.uk/content/frameset?pageseq=380&itemID=F1142&viewtype=image

Charles Darwin photo

“Even insects express anger, terror, jealousy, and love by their stridulation.”

Source: The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals (1872), chapter XIV: "Concluding Remarks and Summary", page 350

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