And, in the cycles of existence, this is the test. From the lowest form of existence, to the highest, the test question is: Can thy neighbour finally overcome thee?
If he can, then he belongs to a higher cycle of existence.
This is the truth behind the survival of the fittest. Every cycle of existence is established upon the overcoming of the lower cycles of existence. The real question is, wherein does fitness lie? Fitness for what? Fit merely to survive? That which is only fit to survive will survive only to supply food or contribute in some way to the existence of a higher form of life, which is able to do more than survive, which can really vive, live.
Life is more vivid in the dandelion than in the green fern, or than in a palm tree.
Life is more vivid in a snake than in a butterfly.
Life is more vivid in a wren than in an alligator.
Life is more vivid in a cat than in an ostrich.
Life is more vivid in the Mexican who drives the wagon, than in the two horses in the wagon.
Life is more vivid in me, than in the Mexican who drives the wagon for me.
We are speaking in terms of existence: that is, in terms of species, race, or type.