I think I misuse words

I remember that I had this conversation with someone and I use detrimental thinking it was a good thing. Now I know better. I must have been like 20 or something but it still haunts me to this day. I like the second half of that word mental, as in you are detra-freaking- mental.

There are certain phrases that I am not really sure they mean what I think they should mean, or maybe I am over analyzing it, phrases like “survival of the fittest.” Of course I understand the idea of evolution but it is that phrase that bothers me – “survival of the fittest”, what does it really mean? Does it mean the physically and mentally strong survive and those that aren’t - what, die?

In my experience there are many who are physically challenged that survive quite well. And in regards to mental fitness, there are a few people (that I know) who amaze me as to how they have gotten this far in life.

And what about natural selection does it mean if you are fit enough you just won’t get devoured by a pterodactyl because you can out run it? Or does it just mean those who are fittest mentally/physically are therefore the prettiest, the most successful and the happiest and those that aren’t, are coked out crack whores with a limp.

I am sure all these questions could be answered by reading Darwin’s book or just researching the evolutionary process. But I rather like my questions, they make me laugh.