Richard Dawkins' reformulation of the theory of natural selection has the rare distinction of having provoked as much excitement and interest outside the scientific community as within it. His theories have helped change the whole nature of the study of social biology, and have forced thousands of readers to rethink their beliefs about life. In this bestselling, now classic volume, Dawkins explains how the selfish gene can also be a subtle gene. The world of the selfish gene revolves around savage competition, ruthless exploitation, and deceit, and yet, Dawkins argues, acts of apparent altruism do exist in nature. Bees, for example, will commit suicide when they sting to protect the hive, and birds will risk their lives to warn the flock of an approaching hawk. The Selfish Gene is a remarkable exposition of evolutionary thought, a work that has been hailed for its stylistic brilliance and deep scientific insights, and continues to stimulate whole new areas of research today.

http://www.mostinfluentialbooks.com/book/200/the-selfish-gene/

Presenter: Kerre
Commentator: TBD

Date: 8 April 2015
Time: 19:15 sharp

Format:
1. Members introduction (5 minutes)
2. Club statistics (2 minutes)
3. Introducing interesting books (5 minutes)
4. Brief introduction of next book (2 minutes)
5. Book presentation (20-30 minutes)
– A brief history of author’s life
– A short summary of the book
– Main/new ideas that the book brought to the society at the time that it was written
– What were the major implications/reactions at the time that it was written?
– What are the major implications on our daily lives (if any)?
6. Group discussion led by the commentator (45-60 minutes), member’s personal view about the book, opposing ideas.

At the end of the meeting, a group of us goes to a bar nearby for a drink, everyone is welcome to join.

Venue: Maison des Associations, 15, rue des Savoises 1205 Geneva (see the notice board for the room name)

Map: http://www.lafea.org/contacts.htm

Note: reading the book is not a "must" to attend the meeting!

Look forward to see you all!

To participate in the on-going book selection process:www.mostinfluentialbooks.com

To see the upcoming events:
http://www.mostinfluentialbooks.com/page/event_list/

To join the club: http://www.glocals.com/groups/geneva/geneva-book-club.htm