The Selfish Gene
by Richard Dawkins
The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins holds a highly rated rating of 4.11 out of 5, based on 96.6K reader ratings. First published in 1976. The book spans 360 pages.
About The Selfish Gene
Inheriting the mantle of revolutionary biologist from Darwin, Watson, and Crick, Richard Dawkins forced an enormous change in the way we see ourselves and the world with the publication of The Selfish Gene. Suppose, instead of thinking about organisms using genes to reproduce themselves, as we had since Mendel's work was rediscovered, we turn it around and imagine that "our" genes build and maintain us in order to make more genes. That simple reversal seems to answer many puzzlers which had stumped scientists for years, and we haven't thought of evolution in the same way since. Drawing fascinating examples from every field of biology, he paved the way for a serious re-evaluation of evolution. He also introduced the concept of self-reproducing ideas, or memes, which (seemingly) use humans exclusively for their propagation. If we are puppets, he says, at least we can try to understand our strings.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Richard Dawkins |
| Published | 1976 |
| Pages | 360 |
| Genres | Science, Non-Fiction, Philosophy, Psychology |
| Average Rating | 4.11 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 96,564 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Selfish Gene?
The Selfish Gene is categorized as Science, Non-Fiction, Philosophy, Psychology. Its primary genre classification is Philosophy.
Is The Selfish Gene worth reading?
Based on 96.6K reader ratings, The Selfish Gene has an average score of 4.11 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is The Selfish Gene?
The Selfish Gene has 360 pages.
Who wrote The Selfish Gene?
The Selfish Gene was written by Richard Dawkins. It was first published in 1976.
What is the ISBN for The Selfish Gene?
The ISBN-13 for The Selfish Gene is 9780199291150.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
