Where does 'every man for himself and let the devil take the hindmost' come from?

Answer 1

The phrase "every man for himself and let the devil take the hindmost" originates from the 18th century, capturing the essence of self-interest in a competitive environment. It suggests that individuals should prioritize their own needs and well-being, often at the expense of others. The expression emphasizes a survival-of-the-fittest mentality, reflecting a harsh view of social interactions. While its exact origin is unclear, it has been widely used in literature and colloquial speech to illustrate ruthless competition.