Charles Darwin presented us with the theory of evolution and Herbert Spencer extended his concept of “Survival of the fittest” into the realms of sociology and ethics. Somewhere in the process new thinking emerged, which used Spencer’s interpretation for political, economic and/or racial agendas. The result was a conviction, that we are living in a world determined by competition and profit.

This is plain and simply – wrong!

Firstly, Darwin did not promote survival of the fittest (species) as the mechanism of evolution, but survival of the species who are “most fitted to any particular environment”. Spencer misinterpreted Darwin’s phrase, evidence is clear and plentiful, but the capitalists of this world continue to ignore it.

Secondly, Darwin’s theory explains the biological evolution of life. It does not account for the complexity of human consciousness (the next stage in human evolution) hence it cannot be credibly extended into social enterprises.

Conclusion:

Competition is a temporary stage upon our path toward Responsible Co-Creation. Winners and losers are not in competition, nor are they enemies. They are merely opposite results of the same dysfunctional system. In in a world of total abundance competition is a mistake and profit is not necessary. We are all in the game of life together and as long as there are losers, we can have neither a lasting peace nor a prosperous future. True success comes not from an individual, but from a collective effort. Collaboration, not competition, is the way forward.