Why Are People?

Dawkins begins by introducing to us the difference between species that are altruistic and those that are selfish. The examples he gives are clear and concise, and in my opinion portray the points he wishes to make. The situation of the mother bird and how she pretends to be wounded to drive the hungry fox from her chicks manifests the behaviour of an altruistic species. What I understand from the term "altruistic" is an individual that seeks that puts itself at risk for the welfare and survival of the rest. Although the human race is a species that is apparently selfish, I think they are altruistic up to a certain point. A parent would do nearly anything for their children. Yet, we humans are selfish in the sense that this isn't for the welfare of the species, but rather for selfcomfort. I expected this book, given that it is a science book, to be more dense and confusing, but I have found it to be intersting and somewhat nice to read. Dawkins' way of writing is soothing and makes the complex topic of genetics easy for the reader to digest. He explains everything in detail, but at the same time clearly so that the reader is left without doubts. I think I might come to enjoy this book more than I thought.