The art of adaptability

You may have heard the epithet, “adapt or die.” In fact, this simple saying has been used in a number of settings, from coping with life to optimising business as well as in personal relationships. The thinking behind this notion was first proffered by English naturalist Charles Darwin in his seminal work, The Origin of Species, published in 1859. Still relevant today, Darwin contended that those species which have the innate ability to adapt to a changing environment have the best chance of surviving. He observed that “it is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” Those that can’t adapt inevitably die or even die out as a species. This serves as a warning for those who can’t or rather won’t change when the need arises.