Article November 15, 1947 ISSUE

PRACTICAL EXCELLENCE

HERBERT W. COCHRAN

Herbert Spencer in his noted biological treatise coined the phrase "survival of the fittest" to describe certain beliefs of the human mind concerning the preservation of its false sense of existence. This theory has been seized upon by certain ideologies as the justification for individual and racial persecution and even extermination.

Its adoption by individuals has resulted in a mad scramble selfishly, and sometimes dishonestly, to outwit and thus surpass others in every walk of life. Spiritually thought of, it might well apply to qualities but not to persons. Thus, it may well signify that it is only the good intention, the honest endeavor, the unselfish act—yea, the spiritual fact—that will survive obliteration. Good survives, while evil disintegrates.

Send a comment to the editors

NEXT IN THIS ISSUE

Article

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FENCE