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About this quote

What does it mean?
Tomlin critiques survival of the fittest by suggesting wit would lead to a more enjoyable evolution.
In plain terms
She thinks evolution should prioritize being witty over being tough.
What can you take from it?
Humor and wit could be better survival traits than strength.

Where it applies

  • philosophical discussion
  • science jokes
  • ethics

Putting it to work

  • value humor in life
  • critique natural selection

Questions to consider

  • What traits help you survive?
  • Is humor a survival tool?

Another view

Survival of the fittest is a biological fact, not a moral one.

More from Lily Tomlin

  1. Remember we're all in this alone.

    Permalink to quote #42
  2. Wouldn't it be great if we all grew up to be what we wanted to be? The world would be full of nurses, firemen, and ballerinas.

    Permalink to quote #44
  3. I swear people don't want sex so much as they want somebody who'll listen to 'em ... the first thing you learn after fellatio is how to listen.

    Permalink to quote #41

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