Do you know the theory of the selfish gene?

Have you ever heard of the selfish gene theory? This controversial concept articulated by Richard Dawkins is definitely worth checking out. It could explain many of the evils that affect man today.

Why are we talking about the selfish gene theory?

Man would be condemned to make his genes last

In 1976, the ethologist Richard Dawkins published the book The Selfish Gene, which he said was aimed at professionals, students and neophytes. In this controversial book, he draws on the work of the sociobiologist Georges C. Williams to demonstrate the existence of a complex system whose sole purpose is the transmission and survival of genes. The selfish gene theory can be formulated as follows: living organisms are simple machines for the dissemination, survival, and transmission of genes.

Richard Dawkins, father of the selfish gene

In other words, the main function of life would be the survival of DNA. Species only play the role of hosts created from scratch by genes to replicate. Therefore, Richard Dawkins’ theory holds that the gene is neither more nor less than the unit of selection of all living forms during evolution.

Therefore, the selfish gene theory holds that humans are the result of millions of years of genetic transmission and replication. The human body would therefore be a high-performance machine capable of maintaining its genes for generations and generations to come.

Richard Dawkins thesis is, therefore, that the genes that have been imposed on populations are those that cause effects that serve their own interests (that is, to continue reproducing), and not necessarily the interests of the population. some cases of its kind. This view of things explains altruism at the level of individuals in nature, particularly in the family circle: thus, when an individual would sacrifice himself to protect the life of a member of his family, he would act only in the interest of his own genes. .

More or less justifiable evidence

Richard Dawkins goes back to the very beginning of evolution to justify his theory. According to him, before the appearance of life on Earth, there was only an inorganic soup made up of more or less complex molecules on our planet. After a still unexplained event, one of the molecules acquired the ability to replicate duplicates of itself. This first replicator would be what is now called a gene. The replicated molecules also act as replicators and their characteristics are transmitted to living organisms as a result of their reproduction.

During successive replications, varieties of molecules begin to appear. Dawkins then hypothesizes that only the most stable genes, the most efficient, and capable of attacking other molecules or protecting themselves are actively conserved. The other genes continue to exist, but remain inactive. This would explain the existence of common genes in all animal and plant species on earth.

Dawkins writes that this combination of genes that helps an organism survive and reproduce tends to improve the gene’s chances of transmission. In fact, these “victorious” genes also become an advantage for the organism. Take, for example, a gene that protects the body from disease, that allows the gene to spread, and that also helps the body.

The consequences of the selfish gene according to Dawkins

It is said that the spirit of competition and the instinct of survival are hereditary

Richard Dawkins’ theory states that man is selfish by nature due to his genetic heritage. This characteristic would explain the violent, aggressive behaviors and the competitive spirit in the animal world, including that of man, especially when the sources of stress are numerous.

Altruism is another form of selfishness

However, this does not preclude mutual aid when natural resources are abundant and population density is low. However, Richard Dawkins explains that this form of altruism is not motivated in any way by the good feelings of the species.

In this specific case, mutual aid occurs only because it benefits the entire species. The other forms of altruism would be “accidental”, according to the author of this theory. Think about it the next time you donate to charities …

Book success

If the topic interests you, know that the book has been a great success. It was extremely popular when it was first published and is still widely distributed today. Therefore, it has been translated into more than twenty-five languages., it is very easily found in bookstores.