Survival of the Friendliest

They say that one of the first things babies learn to do is to smile. A phenomenon caused by the simple fact that people can’t help but grin over the sweetness of a tender newborn, which they then imitate. Reflect on your childhood, when friendliness came easily. The people around you (ideally) showed you warmth, so you showed warmth in return. They taught you the importance of sharing with and caring for others. Offering opportunities to experience the deep satisfaction felt when practicing cooperation and selflessness. The act of friendliness was nurtured all around you so that you were able to centre yourself in a colourful story of empathy and generosity. So…. What happened to that supportive guidance and eager version of you? Is it still you now?

The hard truth is, that, unfortunately, the world we live in is often ruled by dominance and oppression. A culture where grown-ups are told a different kind of story… unfolding in a far less loving environment. Darwin’s term ‘Survival of the Fittest’ has often been used to sum up the values of our society. And like so many things from history, his words have been claimed, misinterpreted, and re-contextualized; deeming one’s success as the possession of power. This phrase has seeped into our collective unconscious; pitting us against each other in a grueling race to the top. One prize, for one winner. Ugh. Not very fair, not very fun.

Nature displays many examples of symbiotic relationships and regenerative systems in which countless participants work interdependently as one. Note, the great communication capabilities of the mycelial network, the benevolence of forest communities, or the compassion of our four-legged comrades. In the documentary “Inside the Mind of a Dog”, Dr. Brian Hare (evolutionary anthropologist, among other specialties), explains that the success of dogs, (the most beloved and genetically diverse species of mammals on the planet!) is largely due to their friendly nature. As far as I can tell, he and his partner Vanessa Woods coined the phrase ‘Survival of the Friendliest’ for the title of their 2020 book, tagline – “Understanding Our Origins and Rediscovering Our Common Humanity”. It’s impossible to know… but it’s not a far-fetched idea to think that Darwin might appreciate this new, slightly modified wording as a better representation of his theories.

So! With all this in mind… We propose a shift, a slight but mighty re-write of our story; an art campaign inspired by the more positive exchange of energies in our world. Promoting the slogan and pushing the concept of survival of the FRIENDLIEST as food for thought instead. Through installations, interventions, street and performance art, we aim to reach out and highlight our shared connectedness; transforming the current paradigm to a survival of the friendliest mentality instead of our current competitive reality.

Take a moment to look inside of you. Is there a child hoping to emerge and reimagine a different kind of world? One which celebrates a kinder, more amiable attitude perhaps? Where humans are positioned as creative cross-pollinators and collaborators within this great earthly ecosystem? Ponder and embrace alongside us, a far more sustainable and happy journey into the future. Children, like adults, love big questions, and even bigger challenges.

“Instead of take, take, take… How can you simply give?
Nurture reciprocity, a joyful way to live.
Let’s remind each other of what we’ve always known:
Survival of the Friendliest creates a better home.
Think it, say it, then put it into action.
A simple smile, a new connection.
Give a hand, or plant a seed.
Fill your cup, beeeee friendly!”

See you out there! Help spread the friendliness!

Your neighbourhood SOTF crew.