Balanceophile

The phrase ‘Survival of the Fittest’ has been in use for ages, and while it probably used to work earlier, I have started to see the changes in the human mindset who use this phrase. Lately, there’s a deviation in how people perceive the meaning of this phrase. To begin with, let’s see the meaning of this phrase.

The Meaning of Survival of the Fittest

The term Survival of the Fittest was originally coined to state the literal fact that the species who are fit in terms of variation, reproduction, and heritability can sustain for a long time. This meant the species that can sustain the climate, have flexibility towards changing environments, etc., are termed to be fit and, therefore, can survive the tough challenges. [Ref: https://www.britannica.com/science/survival-of-the-fittest]

In this context, the homo sapiens have evolved into being survivors. However, in the current scenario, things are going on a different tangent, which seems to question the sanctity of humanity. In the name of this phrase, I see people learning the art of destroying their own kind to move forward in life. Somewhere along the path of sustenance, we have started the process of forgetting humanity rather conveniently. Let me explain my observations with two examples drawn from my experience.

Religious Place – Where is Divinity?

Religious places in India (in the hope of not entering a controversial zone) have their roots originating from our rich culture and traditions. Owing to this, couple of such places are constantly crowded given at any time of the day.

One fine day, I was visiting one such crowded religious place and guess what I witnessed? I saw a kid in front of me trying to hold onto his father’s hand. A couple of people from behind just realised that one of their own was present in front of us and pushed all of us to reach them. In the quest to reach forward, they clearly neglected that kid who was feeling suffocated.

In the name of visiting the sanctum sanctorum soon, is it ethical to suffocate that kid? I noticed a prominent moral irony here: the point of visiting such religious places is to find our peace, but people have morphed this divine belief into a race and have lost humanity on their path of serenity.

At that moment, I was sad to see that, as one of the superior beings on earth, we are on the verge of losing our biggest virtue – Kindness.

Corporate Fiasco

Another example is from the infamous corporate community. Apparently, this term has become way too obvious and common in this world. While it is visible in every domain, I, being a part of the corporate world, have seen it grow along with me. In the name of progress and promotions, people don’t even hesitate to pull others down to make their statement. Do we lack so much confidence in our skills and strengths that we are resorting to such devious measures?

If you wish to progress in your professional field, isn’t it better to upgrade your skills and showcase them rather than pulling others of your rank down? In the name of survival of the fittest, is it really right to sabotage others? Is it necessary to highlight someone’s weakness instead of highlighting one’s own strengths?

Karma

There’s one thing that may be the light at the end of this dark tunnel, and that is Karma. While people are busy trying to survive in their own devious ways, in this path of sabotaging, somewhere along the way, they shall meet Karma and that’s an end game. However, the honest minds who face such treachery would suffer through this phase and have to move on in life. It is this unfair aspect that makes me uncomfortable with this phrase.

Conclusion

While survival as a biological concept does involve rising to a level by beating everyone in this race, the time has come to be more conscious of our ways and to put humanity back in the picture. After all, the unexpectedness of life, in a way, makes it for being so beautiful. What’s stopping us from making it even more beautiful with a good blend of harmony in it? What are your thoughts?