As Charles Darwin famously wrote, ''it is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives.
It is the one that is most adaptable to change.''
Like other animals and organisms, humans must adapt to changing circumstances and ideas in order to survive on planet Earth.
Animals adapt continuously, even by growing or shedding hair.
For instance, the musk ox adapts to its harsh and seasonally changing habitat, the Alaskan tundra, by growing a long, thick coat in winter temperatures of -35degC, then thrives and survives by shedding some of it in summer.
Humans are no exception to the rule that adaptation is necessary for survival.
From conception to death, humans develop from a tiny embryo to a newborn baby, to a child, to an adolescent, and - before they know it, to an adult making decisions about the future, falling in love, and preparing to begin the process over again.
Since each stage of life differs from the last, each requires adaptation for survival.
Adults grow up, mature, and adapt to their new circumstances, but the element of personal choice still decides whether or not they embrace the inevitable changes in families, communities, countries, and the world in general.
Change has occurred since humanity began, but people who adapt are more successful at survival.
Many young New Zealanders proved their adaptability when they left the safe shores of New Zealand to fight in a foreign environment filled with many unknowns.
At Gallipoli in 1915, especially, inexperienced soldiers had to adapt to a harsh climate, gruelling gunfire, and the horrors of warfare.
Families in New Zealand adapted to growing up without influential male figures and the finest men of their communities.
To fill the void, Kiwi women stepped into working roles previously denied them, and adapted to the terrible situation imposed unexpectedly on the nation, thus helping it survive.
Although we must embrace change, we can learn from the past to make the world a better place.
Modern society demands adaptation for survival, and in a technologically advanced, interconnected, and competitive global market, businesses - like individuals - must adapt to survive.
Companies begin as small entities, then grow under the influence of such factors as the law, supply and demand, customer satisfaction, and competition from rival businesses.
But to stay relevant and profitable in the cut-throat commercial world, their leaders must listen to consumer demands, negotiate, and anticipate market fluctuation.
As the proverb ''not to put all your eggs in one basket'' advises, to focus on a single plan may risk all for the success of one.
Instead of dictating to the market, a wise businessperson ensures that their company carries out what it does well, listens to consumer demands, and adapts these new ideas to those of the company.
In the current resurgence of the feminist movement, both women and men are campaigning for the rights of women and gender equality.
In 2014, Emma Watson, acting as the United Nations Women's Goodwill Ambassador, helped launch the campaign ''HeForShe''.
In her empowering speech, she not only advocated for the rights of women, as strong women have always done, but also challenged gender-based stereotypes and dispelled the assumption that feminism is synonymous with ''man-hating''.
The most poignant moment of Watson's speech came arguably when she invited men to join her in supporting the rights of women.
Emma Watson embodies a future where both women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities.
The old stereotypes are fading into history, and those who remain closed-minded to such changes as the rise of women and the feminist movement will be left behind.
New generations are stamping out the ignorant, ill-informed assumptions that have long plagued society, such as women having to be ''homemakers'', or for men being called ''sissy'' if they show emotion.
Boundless curiosity, fearless advocacy, and a drive to change the world for the better will help us embrace and adapt to change.
As Jean M. Auel said, ''Life is neither static nor unchanging. With no individuality, there can be no change, no adaptation and, in an inherently changing world, any species unable to adapt is also doomed.''
I agree with her that adaptation is absolutely necessary for survival.
