**Excerpt:**
Social Darwinism, an ideology born in the late 19th century, sought to extend Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection to human society. At its core, it proposed that the principles of competition and survival of the fittest, observed in the natural world, could be directly applied to human social and economic domains. The concept, championed by thinkers like Herbert Spencer, generated considerable controversy, and its principles significantly influenced the thinking of its time.
Social Darwinism’s core tenets included competition as a driving force for progress, the survival of the fittest as a mechanism of societal evolution, and the belief in minimal government interference in the affairs of individuals and businesses. However, it was met with intense criticism for justifying social inequality and neglecting the complexity of human societies.
The impact of Social Darwinism resonated in various policies and ideologies, including the eugenics movement and laissez-faire capitalism. Today, the term is often invoked pejoratively to critique ideologies prioritizing competition over social welfare and equality. Social Darwinism remains a historical reminder of the dangers of applying biological theories directly to human society and the importance of compassion and cooperation in creating a more equitable world.