Larry I know you have studied some genetic algorithms and some sort of computer ai/evolution simulations, but in the actual biology classes I taken and in the literature I have read there is no scientific premise for the concept of "usefulness" of the species which survive. You seem to be presenting this concept of 'usefulness' in order to promote tolerance among different ideologies. The tolerance of other's worldviews is a belief I undoubtedly agree with, but I dont agree with the idea that we should tolerate ideologies simply because they have survived for thousands of years.

Of course, the word "useful" is a 'vacuum' word, or what is called an 'umbrella' word, it might mean something completely different to me as it does to you. Biology's idea of species usefulness, and it seems to be your idea also, is that it somehow contributes to the ecosystem. However not all species are useful by that definition. Many, as a matter of fact, are anti-useful.

If I were to explain all behavior with the survival of the fittest model, as you seem to be attempting to do, I would not look at surviving species as useful. Taking your example of child molesters in the context of survival of the fittest, they are doing what they are doing to satisfy a sickness in their mind, like leeches they are sucking the life out of the children they prey upon. But the phenomena has no_real_use except to satisfy the desires of the predator.

I dont know if you understand what Im saying, and I guess I really didnt explain it in too much depth, but to be short your ideas about species survival seem strange, and they really dont work inside of any scientific framework I have ever heard about.

However. If you want to talk about tolerance I will be the first one to agree with you. I just differ on the reasons why.

I think if you want to apply the very real model of survival of the fittest to social phenomena in the world you see around you then you can do that, absolutely. But I think your understanding of that model is a bit distorted.

There have been many instances of people who tried to adapt survival of the fittest to a philosophical perspective, among them being Hitler, who juxtaposed the concept upon 'survival' of the races. If you want a really interesting adaptation though I would suggest anyone read "The Sea Wolf" by Jack London , which not only is a masterful application of the survival mechanism upon a worldview, but it is arguably the best characterization in all English Literature. Of course I hope you understand that I wasnt comparing Larry's idea with Hitler's or the Sea Wolf's, I was just listing others who have applied natural selection to a worldview. I mention them for information's sake, and for the sake of education.