Editing Natural selection (section)

===In fiction===
{{Main|Evolution in fiction}}

Darwinian evolution by natural selection is pervasive in literature, whether taken optimistically in terms of how humanity may evolve towards perfection, or pessimistically in terms of the dire consequences of the interaction of human nature and the struggle for survival. Among major responses is [[Samuel Butler (novelist)|Samuel Butler]]'s 1872 pessimistic ''[[Erewhon]]'' ("nowhere", written mostly backwards). In 1893 [[H. G. Wells]] imagined "[[The Man of the Year Million]]", transformed by natural selection into a being with a huge head and eyes, and shrunken body.<ref name=SFE>{{cite encyclopedia |last1=Stableford |first1=Brian M. |last2=Langford |first2=David R. |title=Evolution |url=http://www.sf-encyclopedia.com/entry/evolution |encyclopedia=The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction |publisher=Gollancz |access-date=24 July 2018 |date=5 July 2018}}</ref>