We usually think of the evolutionary maxim “survival of the fittest” in the context of the strong out maneuvering the weak. This interpretation of Darwin’s theory has been used as a justification for everything from economic inequality to Eugenics

But this is to completely misrepresent how evolution really works.

In fact, selfishness and strength can often be detrimental.

Dr. Brian Hare is Associate professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Duke University in North Carolina and co-author of Survival of the Friendliest: Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity