Quotes from No Leito de Morte do Darwinismo

Darwinism is not only dead, but has been for some time in extremis.

Context: Eberhard Dennert opens his introduction by asserting the imminent demise of Darwin's theory. He frames this claim as an undeniable truth for discerning naturalists of his era, setting the polemical tone for his book.

The Darwinian hypothesis as a scientific explanation of the origin of species has completely collapsed.

Context: Dennert presents his central conclusion early in the book, stating his belief that Darwin's theory utterly fails to account for how new species emerge. This bold declaration foreshadows the detailed critiques that follow.

In fact, natural selection does not create the fittest, but only picks them out.

Context: This is a pivotal argument Dennert employs against the efficacy of natural selection. He posits that selection merely acts on existing variations, rather than generating the novel traits purportedly necessary for new species.

The selection of the fittest presupposes the existence of the fittest.

Context: Building on his previous point, Dennert emphasizes that natural selection requires pre-existing advantageous traits. He argues that the theory offers no explanation for the *origin* of these traits, rendering it incomplete as a theory of speciation.

Not only must these variations be useful, but they must also be hereditary.

Context: Dennert highlights a critical challenge for Darwinian evolution in his time, underscoring that beneficial variations must also be reliably passed down to offspring. This touches upon the then-unknown mechanisms of genetic inheritance.

Variations always fluctuate around a certain mean.

Context: Dennert argues against the concept of indefinite, progressive variation, suggesting that natural changes remain within inherent limits. This implies a built-in restriction to the extent of evolutionary change, preventing the formation of new species through Darwinian mechanisms.

All attempts to bridge the gulf between species by means of intermediate forms have hitherto failed.

Context: Dennert challenges the existence of transitional fossils and living intermediates, a cornerstone of gradualist evolution. He uses this as evidence against the idea that species evolve slowly from one to another.

In reality, Darwinism explains nothing concerning the origin of species.

Context: Dennert delivers a scathing indictment of Darwinism's explanatory power. He asserts that, despite its claims, the theory offers no true insight into the fundamental question of how new species emerge.

Darwinism is a thing of the past and cannot be called upon to explain the evolution of the animal world.

Context: Dennert bolsters his argument by quoting Professor Fleishmann, presenting this as evidence that other prominent scientists also considered Darwinism defunct. This quote demonstrates his attempt to show a consensus among 'thinking naturalists'.

Darwinism, in so far as it attempts to explain the origin of species by natural selection, has entirely lost its scientific credit.

Context: Dennert concludes his introductory remarks by reiterating his central thesis. He promises to prove through the subsequent chapters that Darwinism, particularly its mechanism of natural selection for speciation, is no longer scientifically credible.