The "Father of Genetics" in the Monastery: 5 Fascinating Facts About Gregor Mendel’s Life as a Monk

Unlike some who enter the clergy solely through a mystical calling, Mendel’s decision was partly practical. Born into a struggling farming family in what is now the Czech Republic, he saw the monastery as a way to secure an education he couldn't otherwise afford. Joining the in Brno gave him access to a massive library and a community of scholars, allowing him to trade physical labor for intellectual pursuit. 2. His Abbot Was His Biggest Supporter

Here are five facts about Mendel’s life at St. Thomas's Abbey that reveal the man behind the Punnett squares. 1. He Became a Monk to Escape Poverty