Shakespeare

The word evolution, in its purest form, merely denotes a process of improvement. Of course, individuals can evolve, moving from a relatively undeveloped state to one of greater sophistication or complexity. The all-important question is, whether or not the process is self-willed.
There have been throughout history two camps of antagonists -- one that sought to elevate man by increasing his liberty, encouraging the virtuous exercise of his free will, and affirming the existence of beings superior to him; another that sought to reduce man to the level of an ape by denying the existence of th…