Better Than Expected

As I saw the title of the book, the size of the letter and the back description of the content I filled myself with courage to start reading because I figured it would be a very boring and complicated book. To my surprise, it isn’t, so far. I have actually read with enthusiasm. I find the book written in a very simple language, the diction is for almost all audience, which makes it obviously more pleasant.

The main issue caught my attention, especially because in my previous blog I talked about it. I said that, “We have always been like that, there is an evil part in every single one of us, every individual has acted wrongly in some way.” In Selfish Gene, Dawkins talks about how we are condemned to being selfish because it is part of our biological system, unfortunately. I have always thought that there had to be some scientific explanation to our acts, why have he always been the way we are? What is the reason behind it? According to the book: our genes. In order to change this, and break the cycle we have to become altruistic. The way I see it, it mission impossible. Dawkins says, “Be warned that if you wish, as I do, to build a society in which individuals cooperate generously and unselfishly towards a common good, you can expect little help from biological nature.” (pg. 3) This brings down my hope. I think of all the people that make campaigns to prolong the good in everyone, all their effort is in vein. All the many protests against violence and to promote peace in the world, all in vein. I don’t like to feel that way, but all the facts that Dawkins is stating, do make me hesitate on the possibility to have a better planet.

He says that they fight and kill just to “protect” or “defend” our nation, regardless if we are fighting against our own species, “Moreover, they are encouraged to kill other individuals about whom nothing is known except that they belong to a different nation.” (pg.9) I have written about that before, because it does amazes me. I consider myself incapable of killing another human being, no matter where he from is or what he had done, killing him is like killing someone like me. That has feelings, and thoughts, and a life. If this selfishness comes in our genes, is there a way to take it out?