“The notion of natural selection and survival of the fittest has led many to develop a sense that evolutionary forces naturally selected aggressive, strong, territorial, violent human beings, since these are the characteristics that would enable one to fight for scarce resources and survive to pass down their genes.

This notion is far from the truth.  In writing about human beings and our evolution in The Descent of Man, Darwin states that our strongest sentiments, the attributes at the very core of human nature, include our social instincts, sympathy, caring for others, and delight in the welfare of others.”

These are the same elements of character promoted by Buddhism!  Recently scientists have been returning to Darwin’s original observations and reformulating their view of human nature. Due to the social nature of our human existence and the vulnerability of human offspring,  rather than “survival of the fittest,” the more appropriate and fruitful paradigm for human interaction might be “survival of the kindest!”

“If twentieth century history- with its widespread belief in social Darwinism and the many terrible effects of trying to apply eugenics that resulted from it- has anything to teach us, it is that we humans have a dangerous tendency to turn the visions we construct for ourselves into self-fulfilling prophesies.  The idea of the ‘survival of the fittest’ has been misused to condone, and in some cases to justify, excesses of human greed and individualism and to ignore ethical models for relating to our fellow human beings in a more compassionate spirit.” -Dalai Lama from the Universe in a Single Atom, 2005.

“The perception of our world, and by extension human nature, as either good or evil can directly effect our levels of happiness.  [Emory University Sociology professor Abbott] Ferris found that those who tended to see the most evil in the world were significantly less happy than those who saw the world, and human beings, as essentially good.”

“The difference in one’s vision of human nature can mean the difference between living in a world filled with fellow human beings who are perceived as hostile, violent, and dangerous, or as essentially kind, helpful, and gentle.  A deep awareness of the goodness of human beings can give us courage and hope.  On the individual level as well, such a vision of our basic nature can help promote a greater sense of well-being and connectedness with others.”

“After all, we humans have a tendency to make real what we choose to believe, somewhat in the manner of a self-fulfilling prophesy.”   -Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler, MD from The Art of Happiness in a Troubled World, 2009.

Title quote from Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut 1922-2007