its current state. Spencer described this as being "a constant progress towards a higher degree of skill, intelligence, and self-regulation – a better coordination of actions – a more complete life" (Spencer).
Although the phrase "survival of the fittest" became closely associated with Darwinism, it was actually Spencer who coined the term following the publication of On the Origin of Species. Spencer utilized this idea of the "survival of the fittest" in order to justify the eradication of unfit individuals from society, condemning state aid to the impoverished and other such actions. He asserts that, "living and working within the restraints imposed by one another's presence, justice requires that individuals shall severally take the
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