Evolution is literally just the observation that there are lots of things that self-replicate.

That's it. That's the entire thing. Plus some nuance about things that self-replicate faster than other things...

It occurs at all levels. Amyloid protein in Alzheimer's patients is self-replicating. So are cells. So are individual parts of cells. Sometimes things replicate by being parts of a larger thing that replicates, sometimes they don't. It's all one big chaotic tangled mess with no particular purpose or design. Human cells evolve, so do humans, so do human societies. So do rocks.

Indeed, I’ve heard so many people misunderstand it because of this type of wording. Like there is still some plan and series of steps we’re following - which really misses the whole point and why it’s worth knowing in the first place

Oh, fair point, I did the pathetic fallacy (too). Beneficial thing, then.