This Day in History...

On September 15th, 1835, HMS Beagle reaches the Galapagos Islands, carrying Charles Darwin on a sea voyage where he had previously been studying barnacles. Charles had sailed in 1831, spending years at sea studying what was at hand and now he continues his observations on land-based species. He collects numerous specimens, including those of small birds. Like barnacles, the birds demonstrate immense diversity though they seemed to be related. He theorizes that his finches had most likely come from a single ancestor yet evolved differently into identifiably distinct species.

​Of course, this was the beginning of Darwin's theories on evolution and what would become known as the idea of "survival of the fittest." Adam Smith was quick to note that many of Darwin’s theories worked well for the dismal science of economics as well. And today many investors are well aware of who is surviving and thriving right now in the post COVID era. Perhaps they are too aware as they pile in to crowded trades and look for a quick buck. It may work for a while. But Darwin teaches us that nature is a perpetual state of change. And that change can be messy.