Name: The Selfish Gene
Rating: 4.257462686567164 (134 reviews)
ISBN: 9780199291151

Richard Dawkins

An ethologist shows man to be a gene machine whose world is one of savage competition and deceit.

30th Anniversary Edition

The Selfish Gene

Alex Ker

Best non-fiction book I’ve read this year or maybe in the last five. Completely changed my mental framework on evolution, our bodies as vehicles and survival machines to pass on genes, and of course, memes—the newest replicator whose transmission moulds our culture.

Karim Nas

Ivaylo Durmonski

The only reason genes exist is to figure out a way to move forward in life. They are programing bodies, manipulating behavior, and embedding certain desires in brains to ensure that human “machines” will help them move forward in time.

Selfish, right?

Apparently.

But while genes are called selfish numerous times in the book, the point the author is trying to communicate with the reader is against the controversial title – collaboration and altruism is key to evolution and survival.

As someone who is not at all familiar with evolutionary biology, or Darwin’s theory of natural selection, I would say that this book is a great way to understand the basics of natural selection and how genes work.

Richard Dawkins successfully, in a very interesting and engaging way, by adding numerous examples and metaphors, translates complicated biological terms and bizarre-sounding arguments to the reader.

The key takeaway?

On a molecular level, to survive, genes must focus on being beneficial to the whole structure (the body) to move forward. I believe the same is true in human life. To have a pleasant stay while here on Earth, and to thrive, you need to act as resourceful problem-solver who doesn’t only care for himself, but for others around you, too.

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The Selfish Gene 30th Anniversary Edition

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