h Gene gives a very different view of the evolution of life. Dawkins presents a reductionist view in his theory that genes are the primary mode for natural selection and evolution. Dawkins looks at the evolutionary process, how DNA replicates in forming human life, and the possibility that there is a social parallel to genetics where human traits can be culturally transmitted. Dawkins’ book also delivers two primary implications: that evolution takes place entirely through the effects of natural selection and propagation of genes and that genes are selfish, not altruistic.Dawkins states that evolution began in the ancient seas. He uses the metaphor “primordial soup" to describe the contents of the seas before living things came about. In this “primordial soup,” protein molecules randomly bonded together to form "replicators," DNA. Dawkins states that there was an unconscious struggle for survival amongst the replicators. He then goes on to link the behavior of genes to human behavior and personality by introducing the concept of a “selfish gene,” where he defines “selfish” as a gene strategy to ensure its survive over its rival alleles. His use of the term “selfish” personifies genes as an individual, capable of making decisions for its own good. In his opening statement, Dawkins states, "we are survival machines-robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes" (Dawkins vii). By calling human beings "survival machines" and "robots," Dawkins implies that we are not in control for our own actions. Again, his metaphors takes the reader away from his scientific reasoning and make them think of a distinct individual that is pulling the strings of evolution for its own good. This statement also conjures up moral implications that suggest that we are not in control of our lives and there is no point for our own existence. The point Dawkins wants to...
