Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution

Written partly in response to Social Darwinism and in particular to Thomas H. Huxleys Nineteenth Century essay The Struggle for Existence Kropotkins book drew on his experiences in scientific expeditions in Siberia to illustrate the phenomenon of cooperation. After examining the evidence of cooperation in nonhuman animals pre-feudal societies in medieval cities and in modern times he concludes that cooperation and mutual aid are the most important factors in the evolution of the species and the ability to survive. (wikipedia.org)