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Summary Of The Opening Chapter Of The Selfish Gene By Richard Dawkins

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In the opening chapter of “The Selfish Gene”, Richard Dawkins is quick to make it clear to the reader what his book is and what his book is not. Dawkins explains that he “shall argue that a predominant quality to be expected in a successful gene is ruthless selfishness. This gene selfishness will usually give rise to selfishness in individual behavior” (11). Explaining that “we[humans], and all animals, are machines created by our genes” (2). Dawkins argues that for genes to be successful, they must be extremely selfish and ruthless. Even seemingly altruistic actions are usually for selfish reasons upon second glance or in the long run. He believes that Charles Darwin's thoughts have been misinterpreted over the years to suggest that animals work together for the good …show more content…

Dawkins explains that altruistic acts between family members only occurs because related individuals carry a large percentage of the same genes, and to aid these genes would be beneficial. Dawkins also explains the unselfish nature between young siblings when competing for attention, food and care from their parents. Since nest-mates share much of the same genetic material, brothers and sisters that are satisfied with "just enough for all" will survive in greater numbers than siblings who fight over care. Parents also share responsibility in raising their offspring even though they don’t share similar genes. Although one may think it would be selfish and beneficial for one parent to leave the other partner to raise the offspring by their own, Dawkins explains that mathematics can prove that the positives of putting time and care into raising offspring trumps the negatives of abandoning the other partner to raise the offspring alone and possibly

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