Richard Dawkins: How a scientist changed the way we think [Paperback]

If Darwin's revelation of natural selection is "the best idea anyone, any where, ever had", then Richard Dawkins' identification of the "selfish gene" must run a close second. While Darwin's concept explained the workings of life, Dawkins' insight disclosed the mechanism of natural selection. The 1976 publication of "The Selfish Gene" not only stimulated a fresh wave of thinking among biologists, it also stirred public interest and imagination. If life was under the thrall of those strings of chemicals in our cells, how far did that influence reach? In this set of excellent essays on the issues, Dawkins ideas and their impact are presented and discussed. The fruit of his insights are bittersweet, and while most of these writings applaud his probity and communication skills, there is the tang of doubt about some of them.

More than two dozen essays comprise this collection. They are topically organised, starting with the biology issues, moving through the logic Dawkins uses to his writing skills. Today, the biology seems straightforward: genes build bodies. Those bodies contain nervous systems and brains - the root of behaviours. At the publication of "The Selfish Gene", it was widely thought that evolution worked at the species' level. Dawkins moved that mechanism much deeper. Its effect is manifested through various ways, with mate choice one of the more significant. Andrew Read explains how evolutionary pressure forces such practices as "lekking" in certain bird species. The mechanism can be readily projected to other creatures, and is manifested in humans, as well.

The "selfish gene" operating in humans has, of course, caused the greatest distress among many readers. An entire section of the book is devoted to that issue. Randolph Nesse discusses how the term "selfish" has been mindlessly condemned by many. Adding to the furor, and fury, was the publication of Edward O. Wilson's "Sociobiology". Although Wilson's book focussed on social species, particularly insects, the implications were clear. If genes build bodies and guide behaviour, how many of our activities are similarly directed? How many of our actions are "genetically determined". Nesse notes that Dawkins had closed his book saying we are the one species capable of overriding our genes' guidance, few either read or failed to comprehend the implications.

Outside the realm of pure biology, Dawkins has made clear his position on religion and its dogmas. No less a figure than the Bishop of Oxford takes up the challenge. In his essay on Dawkins and humanism, Richard Harries deals with what drives a person to atheism. Noting other powerful scholars have turned away from "faith". He exempts science itself as a cause, instead Harries relies on Alister McGrath's recent book, "Dawkins' God" as a buttress. Harries sympathises with Dawkins sense of awe at the wonders of the universe. Harries, of course, wishes Dawkins' awe could be "grounded in a reality that lies beyond the visible universe".

The concluding essays focus on Dawkins' writing skills. That talent is universally exclaimed throughout the set, but Matt Ridley and Philip Pullman go beyond merely addressing Dawkins ability to impart science. Pullman, in particular, finds elements of Dawkins' prose that should appeal to all readers, notably "phrase-making" and humour. Making readers smile is a rare trait among science writers, but Dawkins has managed to Pullman's satisfaction and delight. He even compares Dawkins with Dickens, no small compliment. It is a fitting cap to this collection - a tribute well deserved by its subject. Having read "Selfish Gene" some time ago, this collection impels me to take up its insights and delightful reading once more. As these writers stress, Dawkins is a thought-stimulator par excellence. We need more like him. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]

Edited by Mark Grafen and Matt Ridley, this anthology of essays by such luminaries as Ridley himself, along with, among others, Daniel C. Dennett, A.C. Grayling and Philip Pullman, functions very effectively as either an introduction to Dawkins or as an overview for those more familiar with Dawkins's work. Discussing both the scientific context of Dawkins's work and exposing some of the controversies borne out of it, these essays are well worth exploring. I recommend this book very highly.

I will not go into details about individual essays or contributors; please read the product description or other reviews.

Like Dawkins or dislike him, hate him or idolise him (and his later persona is a marmite encounter), there is no doubting the successes he had as a scientist, the advances he propounded in his many excellent books for which he has received many awards and the ways in which he popularised science. (In person, he is a amiable, fun and easy to chat with. He is also the only person I know who filled the Oxford Union [three times over] blocked Frewin Court and all along Cornmarket Street, postponing his lecture [on science] for one and a half hours.)

He writes and lectures with enthusiasm, great knowledge, consummate skill, expertise and the mind of a poetic scientist who appreciates the power of language.

Other scientists and his Oxford colleagues appreciate this and understand the contribution he has made to their discipline; in their essays covering a whole range of his expertise and work, they write in glowing terms.

Enjoyable, educational and entertaining (even for the Marmite).