The theory in question is a famous one, taught in schools, colleges, portrayed in movies, at work places and everywhere where there is cut throat competition. Interestingly, in many cases it has been associated with violence, merciless behavior and racist activities.
But can that be the only interpretation of a theory that was based on evolution and not extinction ?
Well, It could have had other interpretations as well, had a group of people who identified themselves as “Social Darwinist” in the early 1900s not force-fitted it to suit their arguments. The Social Darwinist used this to support their argument on eugenics, which meant weaker races will be eliminated to make way for races which they presumed to be stronger. In the days that followed, the usage of phrase “Survival of the fittest” increased together with chronic capitalism which then went on to enslave every continent by demolishing all morals and suffocating other smaller businesses till they gave up. Diversity lost its respect and indigenous groups were marginalized, world over fashion, design, art, movies, music etc started to have the same definition with the shining symbol of capitalism on top of them.
Further looking back, Humans have always been entertained by sides which fight or compete with each other in wars, sports, work etc.. where people, divided by belief systems support their teams that is part of their ideologies and test their strength. Again the phrase “Survival of the fittest” was force-fitted to suit these adrenaline bursts. We still see such statements floating round during football, cricket and other major tournaments were teams with conflicting belief systems compete.
There has never been a major sporting event were people irrespective of race, color, country, play as humans together, cooperate and complete a task. What will happen if we replace competition with cooperation ?
What will happen if all space agencies from around the world work together on a space exploration program instead of working separately as NASA, ISRO, CNSA, DLR and etc…? What will happen if all scientists cooperate and work together to answer all the humanities grave questions ? What will happen if all countries irrespective of borders cooperate and share resources equally and help each other ?
Will we be extinct ? Will we be losing our natural resources? Will it be hard to sustain humans in this planet?
For sure, The interpretation of the phrase “Survival of the fittest” will lose its meaning and get a new one which would emphasis on Co-Existence. Co-Existence of people who respect each others differences, embrace nature, animals and promote peace. “Survival of the fittest” would mean the person who can cooperate and co-exist , the one who is mentally “fit” to let go of violence, to further the existence of human race and mother nature, together.
What will be extinct are the Numerous wars, Ideas of Imperialism, Racism, Ideas of Eugenics and finally Capitalism.
Let it crumble – peacefully.
It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.
— Charles Darwin
Competition has been shown to be useful up to a certain point and no further, but cooperation, which is the thing we must strive for today, begins where competition leaves off. — Franklin D. Roosevelt