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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
Evolutionary psychology is absolutely mind blowing and this is a great primer/look into it. If you've read it, then [b:The Red Queen Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature|16176|The Red Queen Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature|Matt Ridley|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348554818s/16176.jpg|1254615] is another fantastic book looking at the same thing from a different perspective.
Of course, evo-psych is a soft science with a predisposition to 'just-so' theories, so take everything in here with a grain of salt. But the biggest takeaway from the book is not in any specific explanation, rather it is the framework and evo-psych mindset that is most valuable: it adds a whole new filter to the way you see the world and analyse human behavior. It humanizes people, I think, knowing how much of our 'bad behavior' is a result of innate drives with hundreds of thousand of years of momentum. And it helps to come to terms with our own behaviors, all the times you've wondered, "why did I do that?"
Of course, evo-psych is a soft science with a predisposition to 'just-so' theories, so take everything in here with a grain of salt. But the biggest takeaway from the book is not in any specific explanation, rather it is the framework and evo-psych mindset that is most valuable: it adds a whole new filter to the way you see the world and analyse human behavior. It humanizes people, I think, knowing how much of our 'bad behavior' is a result of innate drives with hundreds of thousand of years of momentum. And it helps to come to terms with our own behaviors, all the times you've wondered, "why did I do that?"
I want to rate the Selfish Gene higher merely because of its significance, but for the past two months opening this book has been a reliable way to help get myself to sleep. It's important and fascinating but so wordy and tedious. My problem with the book lies in Dawkins' failure to select an audience. He explains everything both on the broad level that a layperson can understand--and undoubtedly the level that made this an international bestseller--but he also delves into each theory on the professional level and explores every tangent and counterpoint imaginable.
The most revolutionary--and most stimulating--chapters for me were "Memes: The New Replicators," in which Dawkins both coins the term "meme" and posits that cultural memes behave much like genes, and "Nice Guys Finish First," in which Dawkins analyzes game theory and the differences between zero sum games, nonzero sum games, and whether or not individuals know which one their playing. Overall the book contains a lot of important ideas and should be read by anyone with even a passing interest in genetics, but I hesitate to recommend it too highly.
The most revolutionary--and most stimulating--chapters for me were "Memes: The New Replicators," in which Dawkins both coins the term "meme" and posits that cultural memes behave much like genes, and "Nice Guys Finish First," in which Dawkins analyzes game theory and the differences between zero sum games, nonzero sum games, and whether or not individuals know which one their playing. Overall the book contains a lot of important ideas and should be read by anyone with even a passing interest in genetics, but I hesitate to recommend it too highly.
I do have to give credit to Dawkins for explaining genes and gene expression in easy-to-understand terms. However, I suggest reading this book as a supplement to a class; reading it as part of a book club may not be the best choice.
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
As always, Richard Dawkins manges to explain complex ideas in a simple understandable way that is suitable for people who knows a sufficient amount of knowledge regarding biology.
Reading this book was both enlightening and entertaining, and it made me fall in love with biology even more deeply.
Can't wait to read his other book ( The Extended Phenotype) which he mentioned in his last chapter regarding the phenotypic effect.
Reading this book was both enlightening and entertaining, and it made me fall in love with biology even more deeply.
Can't wait to read his other book ( The Extended Phenotype) which he mentioned in his last chapter regarding the phenotypic effect.
informative
Great book that I should have read years ago. Very worthy of the praise it receives
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Engaging prose to convey gene centred view of evolution (selection due to phenotypes created by genes - so the genes are the units of selection) rather than alternatives such as species selection. Animal examples are used to illustrate points made throughout the book, especially engaging to those who are interested in animal behaviour. I didn’t find the biological backbone very technical or new past a GCSE level, which is both good for non-expert readers but a little bit underwhelming if looking to advance biological knowledge. However, I don’t see this as a criticism of the book, since similarly to another book: the Extended Phenotype, I believe the purpose of this book is not to add new information but to give readers a new perspective on information they already possess. Bit of criticism on the prose: it is easily understandable but at times it seems like Dawkins is over explaining recently covered concepts and using too many words to almost over justify decisions made. I can see why he has chosen to do this: to fully provide evidence for his decisions and allow readers to unequivocally follow his line of thinking, but for me this could have been more concise. I found his use of game theory models and the prisoners dilemma to explore potential successful behavioural strategies (evolutionarily stable strategies) quite interesting, and there is a content creator on youtube that has made simulations for these using blender and python. This book shaped my understanding of the gene centred view of evolution and also created interest in the concept of genetically determined behaviour. Studying this might allow us to better understand animal consciousness and how much of our conscious decision might be determined by analysis of genes, produced nervous systems, and exposed environmental factors. Overall a good book that inspires a lot of questions.