Life is the continuous adjustment of internal relations to external relations

Life is the continuous adjustment of internal relations to external relations

Herbert Spencer, a prominent 19th-century philosopher and sociologist, is often credited with coining the phrase, "Life is the continuous adjustment of internal relations to external relations." This statement encapsulates Spencer's belief in the interconnectedness of all aspects of life and the constant need for adaptation and evolution in response to external stimuli.

Spencer's philosophy can be understood through the lens of his theory of evolution, which he applied not only to biological organisms but also to social structures and human behavior. According to Spencer, life is a dynamic process of growth and change, driven by the need to adapt to changing external conditions. Just as organisms must evolve in response to their environment in order to survive and thrive, individuals and societies must also adjust their internal relations to external relations in order to maintain equilibrium and progress.