In the next chapter, Dawkins finds a way to explain these scientific concepts that most people would find boring and compares them with everyday examples that we can relate with and understand. He begins by saying “muscles are engines which, like the steam engine and the internal combustion engine, use energy stored in chemical fuel to generate mechanical movement.”(47) Dawkins compares our muscles and their function to machine to explain to us how these work. Later on, he compares our genes and animals to computers and how both are “programmed” to the future plans without actually having to anything. Genes are given the instruction and will always control how are body is made, with this I understood that he wanted to prove the point that genes can control behavior. I finished chapter 4 but the last thing he mentioned made me realize that this had to do with the title of the book and how we can be selfish not just because that is who we are but because of our genes. Dawkins then relates DNA to books on a shelf, “it is as though in every room of a gigantic building, there was a book-case containing the architects plans for the entire building.”(22)
As I finished reading this chapter, I found myself skimming through the pages and reading the text with no hesitation. And I wanted to conclude this blog with this idea. Dawkins wrote and executed the entire planning and incorporated the right language so that anyone could pick up the book and read it, what is interesting about the informative novel, is that you don’t really need common knowledge to comprehend the book. Dawkins is like a teacher and we are his pupils, he teaches us through the book, and I never knew I could learn so quickly through a book.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Not So Good
In the 2nd chapter of the Selfish Gene, Dawkins begins to talk about DNA. The different functions, responsibilities, and the main role that DNA plays in our bodies. Dawkins says that, “it is the most successful and productive replicator in the world.” (Chpt. 2) He states that they develop more intricate shells over time to protect themselves and their vital and complex hard work. This is true considering that all DNA molecules have substances and fluids surrounding them and fighting off infections and viruses. Like any other species, DNA had to go through a process of elimination, only the fittest and most prolific DNA were kept within that particular species and the rest diminished in quantity completely. This terminology is now known as Natural Selection. And natural selection will continue to occur as times passes and our bodies will adapt and flourish.
According to Dawkins, "Genes are competing directly with their alleles for survival . . . Any gene that that behaves in such a way as to increase its own survival chances in a gene pool at the expense of its alleles will, by definition, tautologously (true by virtue of logic alone), tend to survive. The gene is the basic unit of selfishness" (Dawkins 36). Upon reading this I began to think of the irony in what Dawkins tells us, as children we are taught that God was the maker of heaven and earth and that he is all good and everything he makes is beautiful etc. I guess not, according to Dawkins, of course. As we see here, he tells us that even in our microorganisms we are selfish and violent. And if everything that God made were good than we wouldn’t see this. It also shows that many aspects of our life are life even though they aren’t expected, are corrupted and bloodthirsty.
According to Dawkins, "Genes are competing directly with their alleles for survival . . . Any gene that that behaves in such a way as to increase its own survival chances in a gene pool at the expense of its alleles will, by definition, tautologously (true by virtue of logic alone), tend to survive. The gene is the basic unit of selfishness" (Dawkins 36). Upon reading this I began to think of the irony in what Dawkins tells us, as children we are taught that God was the maker of heaven and earth and that he is all good and everything he makes is beautiful etc. I guess not, according to Dawkins, of course. As we see here, he tells us that even in our microorganisms we are selfish and violent. And if everything that God made were good than we wouldn’t see this. It also shows that many aspects of our life are life even though they aren’t expected, are corrupted and bloodthirsty.
Altruistic Views
As I read the title of the book, Selfish Gene, the size of the font, and the description of the content, I filled myself with courage to commence reading because I imagined it would be a very monotonous and difficult book to read. Surprisingly, it isn’t up until now. I have actually been enjoying the book and have been reading with much enthusiasm, I find that the book is written very simply, not to say that its simple in context but its language isn’t so complicated and isn’t filled with scientific jargon. The diction seems intended for all audience, making it smoother to read.
In Selfish Gene, Dawkins talks about how we are condemned to being selfish because it is part of our biological system, unfortunately. I have always thought that there had to be some scientific explanation to our acts, why have we always been the way we are? What is the reason behind it? According to the book: our genes. In order to change this, and break the cycle we have to become altruistic, unselfish. In my opinion it’s a mission impossible. Dawkins says, “Be warned that if you wish, as I do, to build a society in which individuals cooperate generously and unselfishly towards a common good, you can expect little help from biological nature.” (pg. 3) I’m not so sure if I understand Dawkins in this anecdote, he says that if we, as a society, as a whole cooperate and work together than we should expect little beneficial interference from nature. I would have to disagree in that we will always have to take nature into consideration for all our actions. And like I stated above I feel it is an unreachable goal to try to pertain a peaceful world, because there will always be evil characters in our lives, selfish people.
He says that people fight and kill just to “protect” or “defend” our nation, regardless if we are fighting against our own species, “Moreover, they are encouraged to kill other individuals about whom nothing is known except that they belong to a different nation.” (pg.9) This bewilders me. I consider myself incapable of killing another human being, no matter where he’s from or what he’s done, when does it become my right to destroy something that I didn’t build. If this selfishness comes in our genes, is there a way to take it out? With this said, I also feel that at times it is necessary to defend ourselves and we are all entitled to protect our rights when they are taken from us or when we feel threatened, a perfect example: war.
In Selfish Gene, Dawkins talks about how we are condemned to being selfish because it is part of our biological system, unfortunately. I have always thought that there had to be some scientific explanation to our acts, why have we always been the way we are? What is the reason behind it? According to the book: our genes. In order to change this, and break the cycle we have to become altruistic, unselfish. In my opinion it’s a mission impossible. Dawkins says, “Be warned that if you wish, as I do, to build a society in which individuals cooperate generously and unselfishly towards a common good, you can expect little help from biological nature.” (pg. 3) I’m not so sure if I understand Dawkins in this anecdote, he says that if we, as a society, as a whole cooperate and work together than we should expect little beneficial interference from nature. I would have to disagree in that we will always have to take nature into consideration for all our actions. And like I stated above I feel it is an unreachable goal to try to pertain a peaceful world, because there will always be evil characters in our lives, selfish people.
He says that people fight and kill just to “protect” or “defend” our nation, regardless if we are fighting against our own species, “Moreover, they are encouraged to kill other individuals about whom nothing is known except that they belong to a different nation.” (pg.9) This bewilders me. I consider myself incapable of killing another human being, no matter where he’s from or what he’s done, when does it become my right to destroy something that I didn’t build. If this selfishness comes in our genes, is there a way to take it out? With this said, I also feel that at times it is necessary to defend ourselves and we are all entitled to protect our rights when they are taken from us or when we feel threatened, a perfect example: war.
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