Summary
In The Descent of Man, Charles Darwin applies his theory of evolution—previously laid out in On the Origin of Species—specifically to human beings.
He argues that humans share common ancestors with other animals and presents extensive evidence from anatomy, embryology, and behavior to support this.
A major focus of the work is sexual selection: the idea that certain traits evolve not just through survival advantages, but because they increase an individual’s chances of mating.
Darwin explains phenomena like peacock feathers and human cultural preferences as outcomes of this evolutionary force.
The book was groundbreaking—and controversial—for challenging long-standing religious and philosophical views about human uniqueness.
It continues to influence evolutionary science, psychology, anthropology, and gender studies to this day.