I hate a Barnacle as no man ever did before, not even a Sailor in a… — Charles Darwin · Smartyfair

I hate a Barnacle as no man ever did before, not even a Sailor in a slow-sailing ship.

Charles Darwin1809–1882 · scientist · 1800s EnglandCharles Darwin was an English naturalist who spent years studying plants, animals, and fossils around the world, including his famous voyage on the ship HMS Beagle.7 quotes

Source foundPerseverance1800s

In plain words

Even great scientists get sick of the slow, boring parts.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 85% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Letter to William Darwin Fox, 24 October 1852, in The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin (1887).
Work: Letter to William Darwin Fox
Occasion: 1852
Sources checked: en.wikiquote.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026Wikiquote sourced entry citing letter to W.D. Fox, 24 Oct 1852

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More from Charles Darwin

I love fools' experiments. I am always making them.

Charles Darwin I discovered that the pleasure of observing and reasoning was a much higher one than that of skill and sport.

Charles Darwin Science consists in grouping facts so that general laws or conclusions may be drawn from them.

Charles Darwin A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.

Charles Darwin Nothing can be more improving to a young naturalist, than a journey in distant countries.

Charles Darwin No one has a right to speculate without distinct facts.

More on perseverance

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

Confucius Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Lao Tzu Slow and steady wins the race.

Aesop Patience is the key to relief.Arabic proverb Drops of water hollow out a stone.

Ovid Few things are impossible to diligence and skill.