Ask Darwin: Naturally Good Advice

Charles Darwin & Co.

As a great intellectual and evolutionary master, I, Charles Darwin, am offering my services to those who seek it. Students in need of my expertise have sent in questions through a rolling Google Form to be answered monthly. Thus, I have done my best to provide an intelligent, insightful response.  

How can I be okay with constantly going through change?

from Tidal Wave  

We all change and evolve. It is part of nature’s cycle as stated in my highly regarded theory of evolution. During my voyage through South America, I observed something quite significant. Different species will change over time in order to better adapt to the environment. These changes are meant to improve their chances of survival. I advise you to think of change in your life similarly. I’m sure when the Galápagos finches first discovered that their beaks were no longer the same, they were quite frightened. It’s completely natural to be scared. But they also discovered that their new appendages made feeding much easier and their bellies a lot fuller. A change will guide you towards better horizons. Even my own career choices evolved. From doctor to priest to now a naturalist, my journey was far from stagnant. Though the waters seem rough now, the voyage will have been worth it when you reach a beautiful destination or rather, make an exciting new discovery! 

Any advice to handle junior-year burnout?

from Empty Tank

It is evident to me that the cure for burnout is quite simple. In my personal experience, I went on a five-year voyage from England to South America to Australia and beyond. It was in the course of this voyage that I stopped at the Galápagos and conducted my famed study on finches. In order to cure this disease, one must be constantly looking forward to something, as I was when exploring the natural world. Then, your daunting list of tasks to complete will seem less fearsome. And the mismatch theory, created on the principles established by my extensive studies, provides a reasonable explanation of this burnout; the way humans originally evolved is vastly different from the fast-paced lifestyle prevalent today. A final note, then, would be to take things slower and focus on the good in life– everything else will follow, naturally. 

How do I marry BTS?

from Curious Army  

BTS, or as I regard them, Biologically Trailblazing Superstars, has charted success in the evolutionary K-pop wave. BTS are experts in the ever-evolving music industry, and I would regard them as one of the fittest groups out there. Weighing the chances of marrying BTS falls out of line with my extensive research, but you must be ready to evolve as they did in their decade-long journey into lucrative careers. Only the fittest species may rise to interacting closely with BTS among the abundant competition, and despite all efforts one may make, there may be no chance of marrying the Biologically Trailblazing Superstars in this evolutionary cycle. Life Goes On, as the boys say, and indeed, I can attest that life will go on just fine.

Stay Darwinning,

Charles