The Selfish GeneThe Selfish Gene
Score Classic
What it's about
Richard Dawkins argues that evolution is best understood from the gene's point of view. Bodies, including ours, are survival machines built by genes to carry them into the next generation. From that idea he explains puzzles like why animals help their relatives, why they fight or cooperate, and why parents and children sometimes clash. Along the way he coined the word 'meme'.
Why it's worth reading
It's on the Guardian's list of the best nonfiction of all time. It changed how scientists and the public think about evolution, and it's still one of the clearest science books ever written.
You'll love it if you liked
On the Origin of Species
The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time
A Brief History of TimeGood to know
It needs no science background but does need attention. Later editions add notes where the science has developed.
By the numbers
- Readers72 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics80 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller30 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
- #24 of the 119 science and ideas books we rank
- #89 of the 762 classics we rank
- #287 of the 2,816 books we rank
Why it made the list
Reads as
Thought-provoking, True story
More by Richard Dawkins
If you like this, read next
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The Making of the Atomic Bomb
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How to Win Friends and Influence People
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Science and ideas booksTop 25 · 119 ranked
Classic booksTop 25 · 762 ranked
Books of the 1970sTop 25 · 131 ranked
Fantasy booksTop 25 · 459 ranked
Mysteries and thrillersTop 25 · 555 ranked
Literary novelsTop 25 · 309 ranked
Memoirs and biographiesTop 25 · 290 ranked
Science fiction booksTop 25 · 313 rankedQuick answers
Is The Selfish Gene worth reading?
Yes. It's on the Guardian's list of the best nonfiction of all time. It ranks #287 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 81.8 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is The Selfish Gene about?
Richard Dawkins argues that evolution is best understood from the gene's point of view. Bodies, including ours, are survival machines built by genes to carry them into the next generation. From that idea he explains puzzles like why animals help their relatives, why they fight or cooperate, and why parents and children sometimes clash. Along the way he coined the word 'meme'.
How long does it take to read The Selfish Gene?
About 16 hours (657 pages), or about 5 weeks at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after The Selfish Gene?
If you liked it, try On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin, The Beak of the Finch: A Story of Evolution in Our Time by Jonathan Weiner or A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking.