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Charles Darwin has an illustrious place in history as the father of evolution. His ideas forever changed how we understand life on Earth. Yet, behind his serious veneer and groundbreaking research and theories was a very human figure. He was quirky and enjoyed some unexpected hobbies. 

Darwin's life has a plethora of fascinating moments, most of which never made it into textbooks. From career struggles to unusual pastimes, some of the fun facts about his life reveal a side of Darwin that's more relatable and helps us recontextualize one of history's more influential figures. 

Let's have some fun and look at three fun facts about Charles Darwin. 

He Was a Foodie Before It Was Cool

Darwin was prone to experimenting with food long before foodie culture made it the hip thing to do. As a student at Cambridge, he was a member of the "Glutton Club", whose mission was to taste rare or unconventional animals. According to reports, Darwin tried a hawk, bittern, and owl. 

His adventurous approach to food carried throughout his life. During his historic voyage on the HMS Beagle, Darwin often tasted the animals he studied. He tried armadillo and giant tortoise. It might sound strange, but it reflects his hands-on approach to understanding and appreciating the natural world.

He Was Close To Not Becoming a Scientist

Darwin's scientific career, which changed the world, almost didn't happen. His father wanted him to become a doctor, but Darwin found medical school to be an unbearable experience. He was uncomfortable with surgery and eventually dropped out. His family then tried to steer him toward being a clergyman.

It was his failed attempt at settling into a traditional career that opened the door to his scientific work and discoveries. While studying theology, Darwin collected beetles and explored nature, rather than sitting through sermons. He developed his passion for the natural world and caught the attention of influential mentors who helped shape him. 

He Took His Time

One of the most surprising facts about Darwin is how long he took to publish his theory of evolution. After returning from his voyage aboard the Beagle, he formed the foundation of his core theories, yet still spent more than 20 years working on them. 

The patience and hesitation weren't laziness. He anticipated the backlash and worked to gather enormous amounts of data, conduct experiments, and correspond with other scientists. Only when Alfred Russel Wallace, another naturalist, came up with a similar theory, was Darwin compelled to publish On the Origin of Species.

Charles Darwin was a distinct scientific icon, but he was also a human who lived a full life. He was an adventurous eater, lacked a suitable career for his era, and was deeply cautious even when fame was staring him in the face. Learning some fun facts about Darwin highlights the human side of a man who never seems to step out of his severe expression and oil paintings. To understand Darwin is to see him as a person, not just a name in countless textbooks.