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4.09 AVERAGE
4.09 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Interesting overview that tries to accompanied the interpretation of the gene and replicators as its definition evolves. Really worth it
Mixed bag. Important from a historical perspective. A solid baseline for genetics and evolution. Well written. I appreciate the endnotes clarifying what I felt were obvious obnoxious flaws. He’s even a bit humble and bashful about those mistakes - and I found that charming.
I just don’t like the writing style, tone, and attitude of the book. And I find some of his interpretations too still be pig headed.
I just don’t like the writing style, tone, and attitude of the book. And I find some of his interpretations too still be pig headed.
An important book for its chapter outlining memetic theory. Flawed in many ways, but still of interest.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
legt de principes van evolutie op een dieper niveau zó helder uit. dit is het soort uitleggen waardoor je iets écht begrijpt.
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Book club read #1. Really enjoyed this. I always find it fascinating to read about evolution (probably because I grew up with such a twisted view of how life originated, and science in general). Richard Dawkins is the master of metaphors in this book as he tries to get us to understand how genes could 'choose' (unconsciously) to do selfish things in order to further their genes. Love the conception of living things being "survival machines"; it makes me feel like I'm living in a science fiction book.
This is the first real book I've read about evolution. I learned a great deal, but since it is the first book about evolution I've read I can't really compare it to other texts.
One interesting thing about the book is Dawkins invents the word "meme" in here, in an almost offhand kind of way. And in a humorous turn, the word meme turns itself into a meme that propagates far enough that most English speakers know this word now and have a rough idea of what it means.
The only downside to this book is that Dawkins takes unnecessary potshots at religion/faith. I guess he just couldn't resist the urge. It doesn't overwhelm the book by any means, but might upset some readers.
One interesting thing about the book is Dawkins invents the word "meme" in here, in an almost offhand kind of way. And in a humorous turn, the word meme turns itself into a meme that propagates far enough that most English speakers know this word now and have a rough idea of what it means.
The only downside to this book is that Dawkins takes unnecessary potshots at religion/faith. I guess he just couldn't resist the urge. It doesn't overwhelm the book by any means, but might upset some readers.