Liberalism in today’s culture is seen as a socially elite philosophy. Liberals are largely considered to be intellectuals, more knowledgeable in the arts, and more prominent in the entertainment industry than other citizens. Their views are heralded as profound and infallible by like-minded followers. One of the more salient beliefs of this mostly secular thought is Charles Darwin’s research and publications on the theory of evolution. Liberals have adopted his teachings as their own, but in our modern society they seem to have forgotten about Darwin’s sentiments on natural selection.

In 'The Origin of Species', Darwin laid out the coherent argument about evolution that would become largely accepted by scientific communities in many cultures since its publication in 1859. This book explained his own views of evolution and his feelings about natural selection, which stated that the more desirable traits of a species would be passed down through its offspring in order to make the species more adaptable to its environment and therefore, more likely to survive amongst its surroundings. In later editions of 'The Origin', Darwin added the phrase, “survival of the fittest,” which he had borrowed from philosopher Herbert Spencer. This phrase helped in simplifying his theories and ultimately became attributed to Darwin himself.

Now, liberal mentality almost completely takes in the general evolution aspect of Darwinism, but would rather dismiss the natural selection, or “survival of the fittest” viewpoint. Today’s liberals promote an abundance of social programs that leave the government, and in essence, other citizens responsible for basic necessities that certain individuals cannot obtain on their own. People who are on the receiving end of these programs seldom acquire the ability to fend for themselves, thereby forfeiting their capacity to evolve. If Darwin is right, then how can liberal philosophy claim to adopt his teachings and at the same time, completely disregard one of the most compelling arguments?

Unfortunately, this hypocrisy does not end with our government’s social programs. Instead of only having to deal with Lyndon B. Johnson’s “Great Society” policies, we now have liberal “intellectuals” trying to indoctrinate our children. Our society’s liberal elites demand that potentially dangerous activities (which are usually harmless to most) be banned in our schools. In many gymnasiums and schoolyards across our country, children are prevented from playing dodgeball because of its supposed violent nature, even though it improves hand-eye coordination, agility, and overall fitness, not to mention the fact that it can make a child a little tougher. These characteristics have been known to improve the health and adaptability of our human species.

Once again, this absurdity doesn’t stop there. It has become dreadfully popular among liberals to try to do away with competition altogether. There are entire leagues of varying sports where it is forbidden to actually keep score and to have winners and losers. Every child gets to play whether they are good or not. How does this teach our youth to work at improving themselves? If they never have to put any effort into making themselves a better teammate, or just a better person in general, what will they learn from any of these experiences? There is no incentive to raise their standards or try to improve the quality of their character because they are guaranteed the same chance to do what everyone else can, regardless of effort or performance.

Charles Darwin wrote about natural selection and explained that certain traits needed for survival in any particular environment would be passed along through genetic codes to help ensure a species’ enduring existence. Popular liberal thought suggests that it is the responsibility of others to support the helpless and the degenerates in our own culture. How does this encourage continued evolution within our species and our societies? If people are not responsible for their own being and can rely on the strengths and generosity of others, then there is no reason to carry on any additional evolutionary changes. One may conclude that modern liberalism may eventually lead us down the path to extinction. Hopefully, for the sake of our species, it will only drive liberal philosophy to its certain demise.