The Second Morning Walk: April 19, 1973
Recorded on April 19, 1973, In Cheviot Hills Park, Los Angeles
Śrīla Prabhupāda is accompanied by Dr. Singh, Karandhara dāsa adhikārī, Brahmānanda Svāmī and other students.
Darwinism Extinctionism
Śrīla Prabhupāda.  This material world is a composition of three qualities- sattva ,  rajas  and  tamas  (goodness, passion and ignorance)-which are working everywhere. These three qualities are present in various proportions in all species of life. For example, some trees produce nice fruit, while others are simply meant for fuel. This is due to the association of particular qualities of nature. Among animals also, these three qualities are present. The cow is in the quality of goodness, the lion in passion, and the monkey in ignorance. According to Darwin, Darwin's father is a monkey. [Laughter.] He has theorized foolishly.
Dr. Singh.  Darwin has said that some species become extinct in the struggle for survival. Those which are capable of surviving will survive, but those which are not will become extinct. So he says survival and extinction go side by side.
Śrīla Prabhupāda.  Nothing is extinct. The monkey is not extinct. Darwin's immediate forefather, the monkey, is still existing.
Karandhara.  Darwin said there must be a natural selection. But selection means choice. So who is choosing?
Śrīla Prabhupāda.  That must be a person. Who is allowing someone to survive and someone to be killed? There must be some authority with discretion to give such an order. That is our first proposition. Who that authority is, is explained in  Bhagavad-gītā . Kṛṣṇa says,  mayādhyakṣeṇa prakṛtiḥ : "Nature is working under My supervision." (Bg. 9.10)
Dr. Singh.  Darwin also says that the different species were not created simultaneously, but evolved gradually.
Śrīla Prabhupāda . Then what is his explanation for how the process of evolution began?
Karandhara.  Modern proponents of Darwinism say that the first living organism was created chemically.
Śrīla Prabhupāda.  And I say to them, "If life originated from chemicals, and if your science is so advanced, then why can't  you  create life biochemically in your laboratories?"
In the Future
Karandhara , They say they will create life in the future..
Śrīla Prabhupāda.  What future? When this crucial point is raised, they reply, "We shall do it in the future." Why in the future? That is nonsense. "Trust no future, however pleasant." If they are so advanced, they must demonstrate  now  how life can be created from chemicals. Otherwise what is the meaning of their advancement? They are talking nonsense.
Karandhara.  They say that they are right on the verge of creating life.