The selfish gene

The selfish gene

[British] Richard Dawkins

CITIC Press

2012-09-01

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Summary

The Selfish Gene is the most classic book of the 20th century. This 30th anniversary edition has two chapters added and revised based on the previous version. Where do we come from and where are we going? What is the meaning of life and how should we know ourselves? The Selfish Gene...

Highlights

Of course, the following are selected from the book "The Selfish Gene" wonderful sentences or paragraphs, which respectively show the author Richard Dawkins's profound insights, unique perspectives, beautiful language, wisdom or creativity. These contents are particularly suitable for readers, maintaining professionalism and fidelity to the original work. --- 1. Profound meaning "We and all other animals are machines created by our genes." "The basic unit of natural selection is not species or population, but genetic unit, that is, gene." "The role of genes in organisms is like the role of programs in computers, which is to guide certain behaviors." 2. Unique perspective "From the perspective of genes, its 'purpose' is to copy itself as much as possible and spread it to future generations." "Organisms are just carriers of genes, and their existence is only to ensure that genes can be replicated and spread." "There is no inherent superiority or inferiority between genes, only the difference in their ability to replicate themselves." 3. Beautiful language "The river of life, under the control of genes, has flowed from the distant past to the present and will continue to flow into the future." "Genes are poets in nature, and they use the language of life to weave immortal poems one after another." "In the symphony of genes, each organism is a unique performer, and together they interpret the splendor of life." 4. Full of wisdom "The reason why genes can dominate the biological world is that they have mastered the most powerful weapon, information." "The complex behaviors of organisms are ultimately the result of genes behind the scenes." "The competition and cooperation between genes constitute the most basic laws of the biological world." 5. Creativity "Genes are inventors of nature. They constantly try new combinations and changes to create countless novel biological forms." "Biological evolution is an endless history of innovation, and genes are the protagonists of this history." "Genes constantly explore and expand the possibilities of life through natural selection and mutation." 6-10. Comprehensive characteristics 6. "Genes are like shrewd investors. They invest their own 'capital' in different organisms in order to get the maximum return." 7. "Every breath and every heartbeat of an organism is executing the instructions of genes." 8. "The interactions and influences between genes form an intricate network, which is the essence of life." 9. "What we think of as 'self' is actually just a manifestation of genes." 10. "In front of genes, the individuality of organisms becomes insignificant, because genes are the real masters." 11-20. In-depth analysis 11. "Genes achieve their goals by manipulating the behavior of organisms, which is like playing a complicated game of chess." 12. "The evolution of organisms is a process of continuous trial and error and continuous improvement of genes." 13. "The 'war' and 'peace' between genes determine the fate and direction of organisms." 14. "The biodiversity we see is actually the external manifestation of genetic diversity." 15. "Genes not only determine the form and function of organisms, but also affect their behavior and habits." 16. "In the world of genes, there is no absolute distinction between good and evil, only the laws of survival and reproduction." 17. "Genes are the oldest and most powerful programmers in nature. They write the rules of the world in the language of life." 18. "The relationship between organisms is actually the similarities and differences between genes." 19. "Genes are magicians in nature. They use invisible forces to create tangible life." 20. "Our understanding and application of genes will determine the future direction and destiny of mankind." --- These sentences and paragraphs not only demonstrate the essence of The Selfish Gene, but also reflect Richard Dawkins' profound insight and literary talent as a biologist.

About the Author

Richard Dawkins: A scientist and writer who explores the mysteries of life Richard Dawkins, born in Nigeria on March 26, 1941, is a famous British biologist, evolutionist, popular science writer and public intellectual.< He is known for his deep understanding of biological evolution and his passion for science communication.

1.< Education and career background Dawkins received a degree in zoology from Oxford University and a doctorate in philosophy in 1970.

He has taught at the University of California, Berkeley and Oxford University, specializing in animal behavior and sociobiology.< During his career, Dawkins served as a researcher and professor at New College, Oxford University.

2.< Writing career Dawkins' writing career began in 1976 when he published the book "The Selfish Gene".

The book quickly became the focus of discussion in the scientific community and the public, and had a profound impact on the popularization of biological evolution.< Since then, Dawkins has published a number of popular science works, including "The Blind Watchmaker", "Climbing the Impossible Mountain" and "The God Delusion".

3.< Style and theme of works Dawkins' works are known for being easy to understand and he is good at explaining complex scientific concepts to readers with vivid language and examples.

His works cover a wide range of topics, including biology, evolution, philosophy of science, religion and ethics.< 4.

Personal life Dawkins is a staunch atheist and scientific rationalist.< He actively participates in public debates and advocates scientific thinking and critical thinking.

He has won several honorary degrees and awards, including the Michael Faraday Medal of the Royal Society of the United Kingdom.< 5.

Social influence Dawkins' works and views have had a wide impact on the scientific community and the public.< His book The Selfish Gene was named one of the most important scientific books of the 20th century by the New York Times.

His views and works have also sparked discussions on the relationship between religion, morality and science.< 6.

Quotations and evaluations Nature magazine once evaluated Dawkins as "one of the most outstanding science communicators of our time.< " The Guardian called him "the most outstanding popular science writer in the UK.

" 7.< Latest developments In recent years, Dawkins has continued to be active in the field of science communication, interacting with the public through speeches, television programs and social media.

He continues to write new books exploring topics such as science, philosophy and ethics.< In short, Richard Dawkins is a prolific and influential scientist and writer, and his works and views have had a profound impact on the scientific community and the public.