here is a stab at it:

if a person prefers to adapt towards a “might makes right” strategy, they might have what appears to be a short term gain but in the long run will cost them everything.

not because they are unlucky, or didn’t execute the strategy properly, but because they are adapting in a manner contrary to the objective organization/structure of inter-related subjects

getting smaller fins and attempting to go against the current, a bad combo.

a live by the sword die by the sword type of thing