make is that metaphorically genes do possess a selfish ability. However, Dawkins’ metaphors make it difficult to remove the selfish gene theory from its moral implications. In conclusion, Dawkins explains evolution not in terms of the larger picture like that of living things or species evolution, but instead changes the perspective to the smallest possible unit, the gene. Lovelock explains evolution in terms of a larger picture; his Gaia hypothesis states that life on earth controls the physical and chemical conditions of the environment. Both Dawkins and Lovelock use metaphoric language to describe the scientific concepts they want to introduce. These metaphors are fundamental to our understanding of their ideas. However, Dawkins use of metaphors weakens his argument. His central metaphor, "selfish genes," makes one imagine a picture of a robot being inside us, who built us solely for its benefit and has control over our existence. Dawkins' metaphors are excellent in getting us to think, but I believe it turns our thoughts in a direction Dawkins would not have wanted, away from the scientific base. On the other hand, Lovelock's Gaia theory is able to direct its metaphors towards science, and encourage further research. Lovelock’s book helps his readers and scientists now realize that organisms adapt to environment as well as co adapt with the environment....
