Jews Invented Survival of the Fittest
It's Been In Our DNA Since...Well...Abraham! You're Welcome.
Charles Darwin may have coined 'survival of the fittest,' but Jews have been perfecting it for thousands of years—by outlasting every Pharaoh, Czar, and dictator, all while keeping the best recipes for chicken soup.
Throughout history, Jews have exemplified the concept of "survival of the fittest" in ways that transcend the Darwinian definition. Despite facing millennia of persecution, exile, and genocide, the Jewish people have not only survived but thrived, preserving their culture, religion, and identity against immense odds. This resilience is a testament to adaptability, intelligence, and community strength—qualities often associated with the fittest in society.
The Jewish experience is marked by a profound ability to adapt to new environments. From Babylonian exile to migration across Europe, the Middle East, and America, Jews have maintained their traditions while integrating into diverse societies. In doing so, they have contributed significantly to science, culture, politics, and economics, often under conditions where their survival was challenged by discrimination or violence.
This survival is also rooted in the strength of ‘community’. In the face of overwhelming odds, Jewish communities have consistently fostered education, debate, and mutual support, helping individuals thrive even in times of hardship.
[SIDEBAR] A great example is how Jews created music while in the ghettos and concentration camps during World War II. My uncle Wolf, who was killed hours before the Liberation wrote a piece of music while in captivity as a song of resistance to the Nazis which has become my life’s mission to share with the world. (See video below.)
Perhaps most strikingly, the Jewish people have demonstrated a remarkable ability to turn tragedy into strength through resilience, adaptability, and the collective strength of their communities. From the ashes of the Holocaust, Jews rebuilt, founding the state of Israel and contributing to global progress. This ability to transform adversity into opportunity is the ultimate expression of survival.
In my memoir Won’t Be Silent, I write about how, in today’s world, it’s not enough to survive. We must live up to the subtitle of my book, Don’t Stop ‘til It Matters. Voting, speaking out, and creating art are some of the most profound ways for YOU to matter, and ensure our collective survival. Especially since October 7, which has brought back the horrors of antisemitic hate. Trust me—we Jews ain’t going anywhere.
Order my book today…support your favorite Jews!
PLEASE LISTEN TO WON’T BE SILENT, RECENTLY RECORDED IN HEBREW IN HONOR OF OCTOBER 7, SUNG BY ORION STONE.
To watch other versions of the song, Won’t Be Silent, click here.
Another wonderful sharing! Thanks Abe!