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All 6 learnings · one per slide
The Selfish
Gene
Richard Dawkins, in bytes
6 key learnings on evolution from the gene's point of view.
6 learnings · ~40 sec eachSwipe →
Library / Big Ideas & History / The Selfish Gene
The Selfish Gene, in bytes
6 key learnings from Richard Dawkins's classic presenting genes as the units of natural selection. Each takes about 40 seconds to read. Swipe, use the arrows, or your keyboard.
The Selfish
Books in Bytes
Learning 1
The Gene's Eye View
The idea
Dawkins argues natural selection works on genes, which build bodies as 'survival machines'.
Takeaway
Look at evolution from the gene's perspective.
The Selfish Genebooksinbytes.in
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Learning 2
'Selfish' Is a Metaphor
The idea
Genes don't have intentions; 'selfish' describes how successful genes spread.
Takeaway
It's a metaphor, not a moral.
The Selfish Genebooksinbytes.in
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Learning 3
Altruism Explained
The idea
Helping relatives can spread shared genes, explaining kin altruism.
Takeaway
Selfish genes can produce kind behaviour.
The Selfish Genebooksinbytes.in
Books in Bytes
Learning 4
Game Theory
The idea
Strategies like tit-for-tat show how cooperation can evolve.
Takeaway
Nice strategies can win.
The Selfish Genebooksinbytes.in
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Learning 5
Memes
The idea
Dawkins coined 'meme' for ideas that spread by copying, like tunes and catchphrases.
Takeaway
Culture evolves too.
The Selfish Genebooksinbytes.in
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Learning 6
We Can Rebel
The idea
Dawkins argues humans can rebel against the tyranny of selfish replicators.
Takeaway
Biology isn't destiny.
The Selfish Genebooksinbytes.in
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All 6 learnings complete
That’s all 6 learnings.
Genes are 'selfish', but we can choose to be generous. What does that freedom mean to you?
Abhay Kumar JaiswalFCA · PMP® · Workday Financeabhayjaiswal.com
Summaries in my own words. Read the book for the full stories.
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Summaries are written in my own words for learning. Read The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins (1976) for the full stories. More Books in Bytes