The Selfish Gene
In "The Selfish Gene," Richard Dawkins presents the idea that genes are the primary units of natural selection and that they drive evolutionary processes through competition and survival. He argues that behaviors which may seem altruistic can actually be explained by the underlying selfish interests of genes, promoting the survival of those genes across generations. This perspective shifts the focus from individuals to the role of genes in shaping behavior and evolution.
27 curated highlights from this book
Key Insights & Memorable Quotes
Below are the most impactful passages and quotes from The Selfish Gene, carefully selected to capture the essence of the book.
We are survival machines—robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes.
The gene is the unit of natural selection.
We are all genes' way of making more genes.
It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.
Altruism is a form of selfishness.
The essence of life is statistical improbability on a colossal scale.
Life evolves by the differential survival of replicating entities.
Humans are not the only species to use tools.
A gene's-eye view of life emphasizes the role of the individual gene in evolution.
Natural selection is a process that results in the adaptation of organisms to their environment.
We are survival machines - robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes.
Genes exist in a world of competing genes.
We are all just the products of our genes.
Altruism is not a selfless act; it is a strategy for survival.
The selfish gene does not advocate selfishness, but rather explains it.
Memes are to culture what genes are to life.
Natural selection is the process that leads to the evolution of species.
Evolution is a tinkerer, not an engineer.
The essence of life is to pass on our genes.
We are survival machines – robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes.
Genes are not just passive information; they are active agents that influence behavior.
We are the products of a long process of evolution.
Selfishness spreads in a population not because of any innate quality of selfish individuals, but because of the way in which genes replicate.
Altruism can evolve if it benefits the genes of the altruist.
The selfish gene theory explains the apparent altruism in nature.
The universe is not a benevolent place; it is a series of competitive struggles.
A gene's-eye view of evolution emphasizes the role of competition among genes.