Why did Darwin refrain from publishing his manuscripts for a time?

Charles Darwin's hesitation to publish his manuscripts for a significant period can be largely attributed to the concerns of his wife regarding the potential social repercussions of his ideas, particularly their impact on religious beliefs. During Darwin's time, the prevailing views were deeply intertwined with religious doctrine, and the theory of evolution posed significant challenges to traditional understandings of creation.

Darwin was acutely aware of the potential backlash that could arise from his theories, not only from the religious community but also from society at large. His wife, Emma, shared these concerns and expressed her apprehension about how his work might affect his reputation and the family's standing in society. This added a layer of emotional complexity to Darwin's decision-making process, contributing to his reluctance to publish.

While self-doubt about his theories was a factor that many scientists experience, it was not the primary reason for his delay in publishing. His eventual decision to release "On the Origin of Species" was propelled by the accumulation of substantial evidence and the encouragement from other scientists, notably Alfred Russel Wallace, who was developing similar ideas. Thus, the pivotal concern regarding his wife's feelings and potential social consequences was a significant influence on his initial reluctance to share his groundbreaking work with the world.