The Truth About Survival: Why Compassion is the Key to Financial Empowerment
From William Moores, CEO of the Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment (CAFE)
For decades, we have been told that success belongs to the strongest—the most ruthless, the most competitive, the most self-interested. Witnessing these beliefs in practice whether it be personal or professional is harmful, disheartening and for many, a lived reality. It is critically important to remember, especially now, that the phrase “survival of the fittest” has been used to justify a world where only those who fight for themselves can thrive. But this is a misreading of history—and a dangerous one.
It was not Charles Darwin who coined that phrase, but Herbert Spencer, who promoted the idea that life is a battlefield where only the most cutthroat survive. In reality, Darwin’s work pointed to something far more powerful: cooperation, mutual support, and shared strength are the real drivers of survival and success. In The Descent of Man, he wrote:
“Those communities which included the greatest number of the most sympathetic members would flourish best and rear the greatest number of offspring.”
In other words, it is not the most aggressive who thrive—it is the most compassionate.
The Power of Financial Compassion
At the Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment (CAFE), we see this truth in action every single day. Financial well-being is not built in isolation. It is not won through hoarding resources, shutting others out, or competing for scraps. True financial empowerment comes from education, shared opportunity, and a commitment to lifting each other up.
Think about the greatest leaps forward in human history—the rise of civilizations, the expansion of rights, the medical and technological advancements that extend our lives. None of these were the result of lone individuals acting in self-interest. They were the result of people working together, sharing knowledge, and embracing a vision of collective progress.
The same principle applies to financial empowerment. The strongest, most stable societies are not those that reward greed, but those that invest in their people—by ensuring access to financial education, fair opportunities, and systems that support those in need rather than leaving them behind.
We Are at a Crossroads
Right now, we are living through a moment of profound economic and social transformation. The old models of “every person for themselves” are failing us. Widening wealth gaps, rising debt burdens, weakened support for social and community programming. Economic uncertainty is clearly showing us that a system that continues to render financial isolation and systemic exclusion is unsustainable.
The truth is this: Financial empowerment is not a zero-sum game. When we educate, support, and advocate for one another, we don’t weaken the system—we strengthen it.
And yet, so many Canadians are made to feel that their financial struggles are failures of personal character, rather than symptoms of an economic system that too often rewards profit over people. That is why CAFE strives to change the conversation and elevate with hope.
A Future Rooted in Collective Strength
At CAFE, we believe in a future where financial security is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all. As the leading voice in financial literacy and counselling certification and accreditation, we hold ourselves—and this industry—to the highest standards of ethics, inclusivity, and consumer protection that reflects Canadian values.
Through our certification programs, advocacy efforts, global partnerships, and financial education initiatives, we are building a future where no one has to navigate financial challenges alone. Where the strength of one becomes the strength of many.
The Time to Redefine “Survival” is Now
It is time to redefine what it means to be “fit” for survival.
Survival is not about self-interest—it is about shared success.
Compassion is not a weakness—it is our greatest strength.
By embracing cooperation over competition, empathy and education over exclusion, and empowerment over judgment, we can create a more secure, more just, and more financially resilient future for every Canadian.
Because when we stand together—committed to learning, sharing, and lifting each other up—we don’t just survive, we thrive.
Join Us in Empowering Canadians.
Learn more about CAFE’s mission, financial empowerment resources, and the AFCC certification at https://www.cafe-acaf.org. Let’s continue to build a Canada where financial literacy is a right, not a privilege, and where compassion fuels every step toward financial empowerment. We are seeking those who share those values to help us to build that future.
Sincerely,
William Moores
CEO, Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment (CAFE)
