Book excerpt: Evolution by way of natural selection is more than a theory that can explain certain earthly phenomena. It is a logical inevitability that applies to all earthly (and universal) phenomena. Hence, humans are in no way, and cannot possibly be in any way, exempted from this reality, as this would require the elimination of all threats to human existence—physical, predatory, microbial, and rival. By extension, based on natural variation patterns generally, and different evolutionary histories specifically, whatever actions humans undertake as individuals and/or in the form of groups will invariably have selection ramifications. In short, humans can use ideas to advance their own causes, if they comport with evolutionary principles, by keeping a step ahead of natural selection; or humans can use ideas to hurt their own causes, or increase their chances of extinction to the extent that they do not comport with evolutionary principles.