Dawkins and the Selfish Gene: A Summary In Dawkins in the Selfish Gene, Ed Sexton summarizes Richard Dawkins’ gene theory. He debunks misconceptions about theory: most assume it will be about selfish behavior in humans, but it is actually about evolution and a gene’s will to survive over others. He accurately explains the basic gene theory in simple terms that make Dawkins’ ideas clearer to readers. The original purpose of Dawkins was to examine the biology of selfishness and altruism, but he ended up developing a connection between natural selection and gene theory. He theorized that genes are “selfish” in the way that they will do anything to continue their characteristics; personifying them as if they could have human emotions. He redefines
