#12 The Selfish Gene

Long before internet memes captivated our attention, Richard Dawkins in his book "The Selfish Gene," not only introduced the now-ubiquitous term "meme" but also offered a revolutionary perspective on gene-centric view of evolution. 

The radical idea proposed by Richard Dawkins in this book flips the script on evolution: it's not the organism striving to propagate all its genes, but rather the genes themselves using a succession of organisms as vehicles for their own replication. Hence, not individuals or species, but genes, the blueprints of life, are the true drivers of evolution. This theory reframes our understanding of many acts, even seemingly altruistic ones like self-sacrifice, as cunning gene strategies. 

He explains kin selection i.e. why organisms can act in ways that benefit their kin, even at apparent odds with their own survival. This is because relatives share a significant portion of their genes, so by saving their kin, they increase the overall chances of those shared genes being passed on. He also explains aggression as not just harming others, but a gene-driven strategy to secure resources, mates, and territory, ultimately maximizing gene transmission. He extends this discussion, suggesting that even free will and consciousness may ultimately be driven by genes seeking survival and reproduction. 

He discusses why organisms developed sexes and how birth control mechanisms equip organisms with various strategies to optimize gene replication. He explains how sex cells and the copulation process influence which parent controls mating decisions and which one bears the burden of parental investment.

Dawkins argues that though born as "gene machines," we are indoctrinated into "culture machines." He introduces the concept of memes i.e. cultural units analogous to genes. They replicate and evolve through imitation and cultural transmission, competing for space in our minds and the cultural landscape. Successful memes become more prevalent, shaping our beliefs, values, and behaviors. This concept highlights how culture itself can be influenced by a form of natural selection.

Finally, Dawkins expands the traditional idea of phenotype (an organism's physical traits determined by its genes) to include the extended phenotype. This encompasses the effects an organism's genes have on other organisms and even the environment, including behaviors they induce and modifications they make to their surroundings. He emphasizes how genes have a broader influence than previously thought, reaching beyond individual organisms to shaping social interactions and the environment itself!