Ask Darwin! January

Brie

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.  

I've been struggling with procrastination, and it's impacting my grades and causing me a lot of stress. How can I break this habit and become more disciplined with my schoolwork? 

From Worry Wart

It has occurred to me that this is a common problem among the general populace. While being prone to procrastination is generally regarded as a bad habit, it is most necessary to understand that early forms of procrastination most likely came about in the beginning stages of human evolution, when it was essential for one to conserve their energy. Of course, that is not the case today. To break this habit, I would suggest simply being organized and keeping track of when important things must be completed. Additionally, if it is the sheer volume of tasks you must attend to that is preventing you from working, my suggestion would be to divide up the work into multiple intervals of time. Personally, I like to divide my work into three 90-minute periods each day.

I've developed a crush on a friend, but I'm worried it might ruin our friendship if I confess my feelings. Should I take the risk and tell them how I feel, or should I keep it to myself to avoid potential awkwardness?

From Silent Yearner

In nature, animals are naturally equipped with mechanisms specifically devised to help them mate. Finches, in particular, will perform courtship dances to attract a partner. However, even these birds won’t find their perfect pair if they don’t take a chance and risk rejection. We are all still growing as people, and rejection is inevitably part of this cycle. But, it offers us another opportunity to evolve into better individuals. Like the finches, you should take risks. And in the face of potential rejection, remember that more birds are waiting to see your dance. 

Do you think if I get an ick then I don’t actually like the person?

From Confused Critic 

Biologically, this so-called ‘ick’ is an unconscious gut reaction to somebody’s behavior, physical appearance, or any characteristic. By modern definition, it is characterized by the sudden feeling of cringe and disgust over a seemingly trivial action. However, it is important to recognize that the ‘ick’ is a natural response. As homo sapiens, we find discomfort in and often fear opening up to a new individual, and this does not necessarily mean that we dislike the other person. As you grow closer to one another, trust that we will all evolve. If the ‘ick’ remains intolerable, please keep in mind that favorable traits will continue to live on. May we not only remain tolerant of one another, but eventually grow fond of what makes us human.