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"در فرگشت نمی‌توانید چیزی را که فکر می‌کنید برایتان بهترین است حفظ کنید؛ باید چیزی را که ادامه می‌یابد و به طور قابل اعتمادی بازتولید می‌شود حفظ کنید."

Daniel dennett
Daniel dennett Philosopher
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Quote meaning
The essence of this quote is that in the process of evolution, it’s not about holding onto what we think is the best. Instead, it’s about sticking with what consistently works and is passed on to the next generation. This idea can apply to various aspects of life, not just biological evolution. Let’s break it down.

Historically, this concept comes from natural selection, a key part of Darwin’s theory of evolution. The theory suggests that traits which enhance survival and reproduction are the ones that persist over time. It’s not about what any individual organism thinks is best, but about what actually works in the environment and gets passed down through generations.

Imagine a world where ancient humans held onto traits that weren’t actually useful for survival. They might have believed that certain physical characteristics or behaviors were ideal, but if those traits didn’t help them survive or reproduce, they wouldn’t be passed down. In the wild, the environment is the ultimate judge — only traits that help a species thrive and reproduce get to stick around.

Now, let’s bring this concept into a more personal and relatable context. Think about the business world. A company might believe that a particular product is the best thing since sliced bread, but if customers don’t buy it, the product won’t survive in the market. Take the example of the tech company, Nokia. They once dominated the mobile phone market with their solid, reliable phones. But as smartphones became the new standard, Nokia was slow to adapt. They believed in their traditional models, thinking they were the best. However, the market favored smartphones, and companies like Apple and Samsung surged ahead because their products were what people wanted and bought repeatedly. Nokia's initial reluctance to adapt led to a significant fall in market share.

So, what’s the takeaway here for you? It’s simple: be adaptable. Don’t cling to ideas or habits just because you think they’re great. Pay attention to what works, what gets results, and what can be repeated successfully. If you’re running a business, listen to your customers, watch the market trends, and be ready to pivot when needed. If something isn’t working, no matter how much you believe in it, it’s time to let it go.

Picture this: You're planning a big dinner party. You have this amazing recipe for a complicated dish that you think is the epitome of fine dining. But every time you’ve made it, it’s a hassle, and your guests don’t seem to love it as much as you do. Instead, there’s this simple, hearty dish you make that everyone raves about and asks for seconds. The smart move? Ditch the complicated recipe and stick with the crowd-pleaser. It’s what works and what people enjoy — that’s what gets “reproduced” in your dinner parties.

In life, it’s crucial to pay attention to what actually works rather than what you believe should work. Whether it's in your career, relationships, or personal growth, focus on the things that yield positive, repeatable outcomes. Embrace change and be willing to adapt. After all, success — much like evolution — is about survival of the fittest, not survival of the most stubborn.
Related tags
Adaptation Biology Darwinism Evolution Fitness Genetics Inheritance Natural selection Survival
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