Citing historical examples dating back to Mayan times, he argues persuasively that the social orders within individual societies are not so adaptable as the species itself.

ECONOMIST: The environment

Undeniably, as a species we are extremely adaptable, but we must never forget that the Oracle of Delphi called Socrates the wisest of all men: He was the wisest of all men because he realized he was stupid.

FORBES: The Missing Elephant in the Bedroom

The species that have persevered, scientists say, are adaptable to sporadic changes in rainfall.

BBC: The repercussions of rainforest reduction

As Charles Darwin put it, the species that survive are not the most intelligent or strongest but those most adaptable to change.

ECONOMIST: Global or local?