#127

Mentioned in 142 episodes

The selfish gene

Book • 1976

Lalla Ward Richard Dawkins

Richard Dawkins

In 'The Selfish Gene', Richard Dawkins presents a gene-centred view of evolution, arguing that genes are the primary units of selection and that they behave selfishly to ensure their own replication.

The book explains concepts such as kin selection, inclusive fitness, and the evolutionarily stable strategy, highlighting how these mechanisms can lead to altruistic behaviors in organisms.

Dawkins emphasizes that the 'selfishness' of genes is a metaphorical concept, describing their evolutionary consequences rather than any intentional behavior.

The book has been influential in shaping modern evolutionary thought and remains relevant today.

Mentioned by

Rory Sutherland

Mentioned in 142 episodes

Mentioned by

Lex Fridman

when discussing the evolution of complex intelligence and the role of collaboration.

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Mentioned by

David Deutsch

as a popularizer of the modern theory of evolution.

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Mentioned by

Rory Sutherland

as a book with a similar caveat to others that might lead to depressive episodes after reading.

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Recommended by

Chip Huyen

as a book that significantly changed her perspective on life and decisions, like having children.

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Mentioned by

Jason Droege

as one of his favorite and most influential books.

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Mentioned by

Rory Sutherland

in relation to evolutionary biology and randomness.

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Mentioned by

David Senra

as a book Charlie Munger always tells people to read.

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Mentioned by Bret Weinstein as a book that provides a mechanism to understand cultural evolution.

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Recommended by

Chip Huyen

to understand more about free will and the replication of ideas.

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Mentioned in the context of multi-level selection and the idea of the selfish gene.

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