Repercussion

Soula Walters. “The lecture was highly informative, visually interesting and engaged the students at a suitable level. The students particularly enjoyed Mr. Akerman’s entertaining interpretation of Linnaeus’ classification of the sexual parts of flowers. He explored many interesting aspects of Linnaeus’ life and work and imbued his lecture with great relevance and present-day importance.“

Jonah Stevens Brocka. “During the series of tercentenary lecture-forums wherein Mr. Mariano Akerman spoke about Carl Linnaeus’s contribution to ecology, one significant point that really stood out was how the binomial nomenclature dispelled myth in favor of truth. For through Linnaeus’ classification system, we have come to realize that sea cows are not mermaids out to seduce hapless sailors to their doom; that there are islands populated by dragons that do not breathe fire but have a really toxic bite; and that in the real world there are hybrid animals, such as the duck-billed platypus. No longer do we fear what is lurking in the unknown. We revel in the everyday discovery of creation chronicled in the ever-growing names that is Linnaeus legacy. This makes protecting our environment and the creatures in it even more enjoyable and more profound.“

Sheri Joyce Ng. “Carl Linnaeus in his classification of life shows us that there is an order in God's creation. By cataloguing animals and plants into different classes, Linnaeus laid the groundwork for future scientists to better understand the vegetable and animal kingdoms. As he knew beforehand, everything has its place in nature. One can only say that he was truly a man before his time!“

Jacqueline Valerie Siy Ng. “My impression of the Linnaeus Lecture? Initially, I walked into the lecture with an open mind, ready for anything; I was not disappointed. During the lecture, I was very surprised to hear the many contributions of Carl Linnaeus to the scientific community and the world as a whole. The one point that struck me the most was when Mr. Akerman stressed that science and religion are not mutually exclusive; the two are fused tightly and are incomplete without the other. I spent quite a while pondering this and other points from the lecture, which ultimately led me to write the essay. Thank you for the opportunity to join this contest and the imparted wisdom. God bless!”

Amando Roman S. Santos. “I didn’t know what Mr. Akerman’s lecture was all about. When I saw the brochure with Linnaeus’ picture on it, I pictured that it would be something exciting yet perhaps not new. I was wrong with the not new part, because the lecture gave a clear insight on who Linnaeus was. He wasn’t just the father of taxonomy but also the father of modern biology. His maxims were new to me and I am convinced they are very important. Mr. Akerman’s lecture was also my first opportunity to grasp Linnaeus’ background, his research and achievements. That lecture gave me a new perception concerning taxonomy and research. Prior to the lecture, I didn’t expect much from the speaker. However, I was later amazed, and really enjoyed, as he delivered his lecture with passion and enthusiasm. He really knows what to say and his excitement in giving the lecture made it hard for me to consider what he was saying. Thank you and God bless.”

European School Students. "L'idée d'avoir organisé une conférence sur Carl Linaeus à l'école française de Manille est intéressante. Nous avons appris que ce chercheur a commencé très jeune. Il est à l'origine de la classification du monde végétal et animal. Lors de la conférence sur Carl Linné, nous avons découvert un homme révolutionnaire pour son époque car il était un des premiers hommes à adopter une rigueur extrême lors de ses recherches. Il était un des premiers à vouloir vérifier ses hypothèses à travers des expériences, ou des voyages pour voir le phénomène de ses propres yeux : il appliquait ce qu’on appelle la méthode scientifique, aujourd’hui. Ce procédé est la base de l’enseignement scientifique (au moins pour les sciences expérimentales). Expose qui, a la fois, va nous aider a clasifier les differents type de vegetaux et qui nous incite a battre la polution. Le niveau de la conférence était élevé. Ce moment restera une expérience inoubliable."

Rebekah Ileana F. Cristobal. "Carl Linnæus’ ideas are important. They inspire us to save the earth. We’re all a part of the Creation. “All excess is harmful” is one of Linnæus’ maxims that really got me thinking. I’ve realized how true it is. Anything that is too much is harmful either to our bodies or to the environment. For example, if people suppress a lot of negative feelings they can get cancer. Negative feelings are like garbage. We don’t keep them we throw them away. If we don’t dispose garbage properly, we destroy our environment. But if anything happens because of some natural disaster, nature always finds a way to regenerate itself, compensating any damage. When a volcano erupts, the topography of the area changes and some nearby islands may disappear into the waters, but somewhere else another island may emerge from the waters and the soil becomes more fertile. Hence, the validity of Linnæus’ maxim: “Nature always compensates for a disadvantage by an advantage elsewhere…” Yet, my favorite Linnaeus’ is “Nothing is more precious than life.” It’s straightforward  and to the point. In fact, without life there would be nothing. No trees, no birds, no fishes… Life gives meaning to almost everything. It gives hope and light. We must do something to preserve it, otherwise there is no future. Carl Linnæus’ love for Creation is inspiring. If we nurture Mother Earth, Mother Earth will in turn take care of us." 

Repercussion of the Linnaeus' Lectures and Competition Program, Manila 2007: Feedback and Visual Remarks. Editing and design: Mariano Akerman.

   VISIT Manila Acclaims Linnaeus