Survival of the Fittest
Can Evolutionary Logic Help Cultivate a Better Future for the Human Body? All that we can do is to keep steadily in mind that each organic being is striving to increase in a geometrical ratio; that each, at some period of its life, during some season of the year, during each generation, or at intervals, has to struggle for life and to suffer great destruction. When we reflect on this struggle, we may console ourselves with the full belief that the war of nature is not incessant, that no fear is felt, that death is generally prompt, and that the vigorous, the healthy, and the happy survive and multiply. CHARLES DARWIN, On the Origin of Species. 1. There’s a popular joke about a group of octogenarians discussing their health problems. “My eyes are so bad I can no longer see clearly.” “The arthritis in my neck hurts so much, I can’t turn my head.” “My heart medication makes me dizzy.” “Yes, that’s the price we pay for living so long, but at least we can still drive!” In more