Every Living Thing

Set in the 18th century, the narrative explores the contrasting philosophies of Carl Linnaeus and Georges-Louis de Buffon in their quest to catalog Earth's biodiversity. Linnaeus favored rigid classifications, contributing terms like mammal and primate, yet promoted harmful pseudo-science. In contrast, Buffon embraced life's complexity, introducing concepts of reproduction and early evolutionary ideas while advocating against prejudice. Their rivalry not only shaped scientific discourse but also influenced perceptions of humanity's role in nature, leaving lasting impacts that resonate today.