Originally Posted by lamchopz
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An interesting note on evolution is that we tend to think of it as "survival of the best" whereas the original phrase clearly says "survival of the fittest". "Best" ,"fittest" are relative terms because you are the fittest in a given set of conditions.
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Actually, if I recall correctly, the term that Darwin uses in
On the Origin of the Species is "survival of the most fit." Maybe he uses both. *can't remember* It's a subtle difference but I think it's an important one. An individual doesn't have to be the "fittest" to survive, but only the "most fit" compared to its competitor. @_@;;
Darwin is so careful in writing Origin of the Species because he's well versed in religion himself that he's well aware of the consequences of what he is writing. He's very careful in the terms he uses.