As a biologist, and with a deep interest in evolution this was a treat in some ways. It is very interesting, specially as I am from the hemisphere his travel was to see it through his eyes in this book. And so sad to see how in barely three hundred and fifty years they managed to erase entire cultures, displace and run species to the brink of extinction if not actual extinction. The Southern hemisphere was and is bled dry for profit.

The counterpart is how revolting it is to see how his intelligence for natural world is in par with such views on the indigenous people. I know this was the thinking of the time period, yet, I think when we read historical pieces (as I consider this book to be also, at least in part) it should be thought provoking. We should be questioning how this narratives have shaped our world and in many ways are still prevalent in different form. We, the generations that come after the settlers need it above all, it's truly eye opening to see how the views of the colonizers have embedded so deep inside us, many, to this day, continue to uphold them as superior. Something that's sadly very common in Latin America.

From the last chapter "The march of improvement, consequent on the introduction of Christianity throughout the South Sea, probably stands by itself in the records of history."

"Yet these changes have now been effected by the philanthropic spirit of the British nation."

Never stop questioning EVERYTHING!