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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
informative
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
The first Dawkins book I’ve read since the selfish gene that I genuinely couldn’t put down. Full of absolutely brilliant analogies and as usual I’ve come out of a Dawkins book with a greatly improved knowledge and appreciation for natural selection.
This is a book with real interest, if a tad biased at some points (when he starts slamming people)- and a step towards his great work, 'The God Delusion'
The book isn't as accessible as I thought it would be. It is written in an academic style that sometimes feels a bit stilted, but Dawkins does have a knack for analogies that makes it interesting enough.
The only frustrating thing is Dawkins' pomoposity breaking through in certain places, which may alienate anyone not reading from his side of the fence. References to "primitive tribes", "civilized peoples" and the odd religion-bashing aren't going to win friends.
Still, it's only in certain areas, and Dawkins' passion for the subject comes through even more clearly. So it's entertaining and convincing and sprinkles the odd personal anecdote to make it relateable, but the Dawkins' ego does show a little too much.
The only frustrating thing is Dawkins' pomoposity breaking through in certain places, which may alienate anyone not reading from his side of the fence. References to "primitive tribes", "civilized peoples" and the odd religion-bashing aren't going to win friends.
Still, it's only in certain areas, and Dawkins' passion for the subject comes through even more clearly. So it's entertaining and convincing and sprinkles the odd personal anecdote to make it relateable, but the Dawkins' ego does show a little too much.
Excellent work that delves into the interplay between the engine of change (evolution) and the species shaping filter of natural selection. Dawkins covers disputes in the field and those from outside. He uses many biblical analogies. Perhaps to put the religious at ease or to do quite the opposite.
Whatever his intent, the work helped deepen my understanding of natural selection.
Whatever his intent, the work helped deepen my understanding of natural selection.
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Richard Dawkins presents yet again a nearly flawless argument in favor of the theory of evolution. He argues against the belief that life is so complex (like a watch) it must have an intelligent "watchmaker." Natural selection, according to Dawkins, may act as the watchmaker, but one that has no purpose in mind, and is thus "blind." He uses biological and mathematical (though easy enough for a layperson to understand) reasoning to show how Charles Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection is simply the only explanation for the complexity of life. Dawkins uses the last chapter of the book to destroy the so-called "alternative theories to evolution" such as the unfortunately popular creationism. Dawkins gives the science world a sense of hope against the ignorant masses that continue to argue in the name of instantaneous genesis and other out-dated, untrue speculations. While some biological knowledge helps in connecting with the material, The Blind Watchmaker is written for the general audience, although it may be over many creationists' heads.
challenging
informative
slow-paced
This was a hard read... as in it was hard for me, because I'm stupid. I haven't studied Biology for over 30 years and I gave up because they kept trying to make me draw an eye. I was terrible at drawing eyes. So I got as much of this as my brain was able to process and there was a ton of goodness, but I could have done with more anecdotes and slightly less God-bashing. I get that God-bashing is Dawkins' superpower, but his arguments for natural selection stand on their own without them having to be a refutation.
Not nearly as polemical as I expected it to be. A good solid piece of science writing on, and defense of, Darwinian evolution.
I'm not a fan of Dawkins's writing, as he tends to ramble and go off on tangents that are related to his main point, but sometimes only marginally... and they go on far too long.
There was plenty of good information about evolution in the book, but it was tough to stay with it because of the asides and meanderings. There are much better books on the topic (even his own The Greatest Show on Earth is better, though it suffers from the same problems). In the end, the point that evolution is not a product of random chance is sufficiently made and explained, which is, after all, the intent of the book, so it is successful on that note.
There was plenty of good information about evolution in the book, but it was tough to stay with it because of the asides and meanderings. There are much better books on the topic (even his own The Greatest Show on Earth is better, though it suffers from the same problems). In the end, the point that evolution is not a product of random chance is sufficiently made and explained, which is, after all, the intent of the book, so it is successful on that note.