Survival of the Fittest

Sunday Scribblings prompt: Competition

A friend of mine has a theory that rich people become gradually more beautiful and intelligent as a result of natural selection. His hypothesis is that a smart guy, most likely a nerd and not particularly good-looking, has the potential to make a lot of money due to his exceptional faculties. And, my friend continues, everyone knows that rich guys attract beautiful women. One can surmise that their offspring will be a cross-section of the father and the mother, and therefore somewhat better looking and smarter than the average Joe.

Though I chuckle at my friend’s conjecture (he is of course very smart and well-off and is married to a gorgeous woman – my best friend, I might add) I have to admit there is something to it. Personally, I would be far more attracted to the intelligence than the money – or looks for that matter – of a man, but either way, if you look at nature, it is astonishing how certain species have developed particular favorable traits – out of necessity by competition for resources such as sunlight, food, water, and mates.

Competition plays a significant role in many aspects of life. The term “survival of the fittest” was coined by the British philosopher and economist Herbert Spencer after he read Darwin’s Book “Origin of the Species.” It refers simply put to the importance of competition for survival or advancement. The term has been used to explicate topics as diverse as evolution and social Darwinism, to capitalism and anarchy.

An astonishing example of male competition for a mate is the weaverbird. In many species of weavers in Africa and Asia, the males create elaborate nests, which they subsequently parade for the ladies to try to impress them.



Now there’s a case for the guy who is the smartest and savviest – he builds the best abode, ergo he gets the girl! That is a little bit like my friend’s theory – these little weaver guys are sharp enough to realize what it takes to impress the “fittest” ladies: how can you not like a guy who has got the brains and means to care for your safety and comfort?!