The theory of evolution, one of the most significant theories, laid the foundation for the study of modern biological science. This theory has led scientists to endless debates due to the lack of empirical support. Until the mid-18th century, when Charles Darwin provided an explanation for evolution, scientists began to endorse this hypothesis. In “Natural Selection,” Darwin explains natural selection, a plausible mechanism that causes evolution, to gain approval from his cynical audience for his theory of evolution. He supports his claim with numerous examples of animals and plants that have evolved traits beneficial to survival. A century later, Stephen Jay Gould, influenced by Darwin's work, supported the theory of evolution by a different method. In “Evolution as Fact and Theory,” Gould, in contrast to Darwin, criticizes his detractors, creationists who believe that all life is the creation of a supernatural being, to strengthen the validity of the theory of evolution. Gould undermines creationism by emphasizing its overused concepts in popular theory and philosophy, demonstrating that it is not science. In addition to denouncing creationism, Gould also provides theoretical examples as evidence to prove that evolution is a theory. Despite their different approaches, both Darwin and Gould effectively demonstrate the existence of evolution. One of the aspects that makes Darwin's essay different from Gould's is the audience it addresses. Writing to a particular audience definitely affects the tone used in the essay. In this case, although Darwin and Gould both claim the validity of evolution, they are addressing different readers. As illustrated in “Natural Selection,” Darwin, focusing on the doubting public, maintains a neutral tone and… halfway through the article… attempts to prove that evolution is a valid theory. This achievement of verifying the theory of evolution of these two scholars not only provides opportunities for further studies of evolution, but also discredits ancient creationism, opening new doors to the discovery of science. Without Darwin and Gould's attempt to prove the theory of evolution, science would not have developed to the point it is today. This iconoclastic theory of evolution inspires people to explore their surroundings with a more scientific and reasonable perspective where everything must be proven before being approved. Works Cited Darwin, Charles. "Natural selection". The Norton mix. Editor Katie Hannah. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2010. 55-62.Gould, Stephen Jay. "Evolution as fact and theory". The Norton mix. Editor Katie Hannah. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2010. 110-119.