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Description
Richard Dawkins' brilliant reformulation of the theory of natural selection has the rare distinction of having provoked as much excitement and interest outside the scientific community as within it. His theories have helped change the whole nature of the study of social biology, and have... read more
Summary
The Selfish Gene carries forward Darwin’s theory of evolution. The central idea of the book is: it is the gene -- and not the species -- on which the natural selection works. The author describes at length how the genes ‘try’ their best to propagate themselves through the generations, and how... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)
Memorable Quotes
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“perhaps consciousness arises when the brain's simulation of the world becomes so complete that it must include a model of itself”
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“the argument of this book is that we, and all other animals, are machines created by our genes”
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“The gene is the basic unit of selfishness”
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“The genes are the immortals, or rather, they are defined as genetic entities that come close to deserving the title”
First Sentence
Intelligent life on a planet comes of age when it first works out the reason for its own existence.
Table of Contents
Authors & Contributors
- Richard Dawkins (Author)
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