The Selfish Gene, published in 1976, popularised a gene-centred view of evolution developed by biologists such as W. D. Hamilton, George Williams and Robert Trivers. Dawkins argues that genes are the fundamental units of natural selection, and that organisms can be seen as survival machines built by genes to propagate copies of themselves.
The selfishness is metaphorical: genes have no intentions, but those that happen to build bodies and behaviours favouring their own replication become more common. From this starting point Dawkins explains puzzles such as why animals help relatives, how cooperation can evolve through reciprocity, why parents and offspring or males and females may have conflicting interests, and how game theory helps model aggression.
In a final chapter he coins the word meme for units of cultural transmission, such as tunes, ideas or fashions, which spread by imitation. The book's clarity and vivid metaphors made it one of the most influential science books of the century, though its title has often been misread as a claim that people are inherently selfish. Later editions add notes and new chapters responding to critics.
Book details
| Author | Richard Dawkins |
|---|---|
| First published | 1976 |
| Original language | English |
| Genre | Popular science |
| Type | Non-fiction |
| Pages (approx.) | 360 |
Themes
- Natural selection
- Gene-centred evolution
- Altruism and kin selection
- Game theory
- Memes and culture
Who should read it
Readers who want a clear, rigorous understanding of how evolution shapes behaviour.