Here's why:
* Evolution is a scientific process: Evolution is a gradual change in the genetic makeup of a population over time. It's supported by a vast amount of evidence from fossils, DNA, and other scientific disciplines.
* Charles Darwin is often cited: Charles Darwin, a 19th-century naturalist, is best known for his theory of evolution by natural selection. He proposed that humans share a common ancestor with apes, but he didn't say we "evolved from apes" in a direct, linear way.
* Modern understanding: Modern evolutionary science understands that humans and apes share a common ancestor that lived millions of years ago. We are not descended directly from modern apes like gorillas or chimpanzees, but we share a common lineage.
In short, the idea of humans evolving from apes is a scientifically supported theory based on extensive research, not something any one person "said."