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Herbert Spencer

English philosopher and sociologist, 1820–1903. 1 explained quote.

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“Survival of the fittest.”
Herbert Spencer · 1864
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“Survival of the fittest.”
Herbert Spencer · The Principles of Biology, Volume I · 1864 · Philosopher

Spencer's phrase for natural selection: organisms best suited to their environment survive and reproduce. “Fittest” means best adapted, not strongest.

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About Herbert Spencer

Herbert Spencer was one of the most widely read thinkers of the Victorian era. He tried to apply the idea of evolution to everything from biology to ethics and society.

He coined the phrase “survival of the fittest” in 1864, and his ideas were later used, often crudely, to justify harsh social policies under the label of social Darwinism.