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

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.