"fate succumbs many a species; one alone jeopardises itself" What does it mean?

Question

"fate succumbs many a species; one alone jeopardises itself" What does it mean?

Answer 1

Good luck or bad luck determines the life or death of most animals and plants on earth. You, on the otherhand, have some control over your situation, because you can choose with your brain when to take risks, to put your self in jeopardy. You alone jeopardize yourself by risk, not safety.

Answer 2

According to a source i found, the quote is from W.H. Auden, In Death. It seems to me that it is saying that the individual alone is largely responsible for his/her fate or end; it would seem to mean, by implication, that a person can rise above, go beyond his/her "fate" or circumstances.

Answer 3

overrated is right. The human species is the only species that jeopardises its own existence.

Answer 4

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