The Agile Gene

How Nature Turns on Nurture

Matt Ridley

Genre

Recommended By

Book Synopsis

"The Agile Gene" by Matt Ridley explores the concept of evolution and its impact on human behavior.

Ridley argues that our genes are not fixed entities, but rather flexible and capable of adapting to changing environments. He introduces the idea of "gene selectionism," which suggests that genes do not solely shape our behavior, but that our behaviors also shape the selection of genes.

Drawing on various scientific studies and examples from nature, Ridley illustrates how genes can influence traits such as intelligence, personality, and even religious beliefs. He also examines how culture and society play a role in shaping human behavior, often overriding genetic predispositions.

Ridley challenges traditional beliefs that our genes solely determine our destiny, proposing that our genetic adaptability allows us to constantly evolve and respond to our surroundings. He explores the influence of genetic mutations, the role of sexual selection, and the importance of cooperation in human evolution.

Throughout the book, Ridley sheds light on how genetics and evolution have shaped our species' extraordinary abilities to think, learn, and innovate. He highlights the importance of understanding our own genetic makeup in order to better navigate the complex world around us.

"The Agile Gene" offers a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of genetics and evolution, presenting an optimistic view of the human potential for adaptation and change. Ridley's clear and concise writing style makes complex scientific concepts accessible to both experts and general readers alike.

Explore More Books

See All
Traction
High Growth Handbook
Spain in Our Hearts
Trick Mirror
Models. Behaving. Badly.
Technofeudalism
Tap Dancing to Work
Bad Blood
Viral Loop
Happy Money
Livewired
Capitalism Without Capital
The Line Becomes a River
The Right Stuff
Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids
The Little Book of Investing Like the Pros
The Wisdom of Life
Subliminal
A Bright Future
A Year with Rumi
The Company
Adultery
Trailblazer
A Guide To The Good Life
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Connectography
Spiritual Enlightenment, the Damnedest Thing
The Courage To Be Disliked
Masters of the Word
The Robber Barons
Six Not-So-Easy Pieces
The Score Takes Care of Itself
Leadership the Outward Bound Way
It's Garry Shandling's Book
Crash Proof 2.0
Fleishman Is In Trouble
Modernity Without Restraint
Mapping the Mind
Cry, The Beloved Country
The Road to Serfdom
Talent Is Overrated
Steve Jobs
The Tao of Charlie Munger
Crime and Punishment
Planta Sapiens
In Defense of Food
The TB12 Method
How Nature Works
Transmetropolitan
An Autobiography of Anthony Trollope
Creation
Happiness
The Splendid and the Vile
Nietzsche: Beyond Good and Evil
Thinking In Bets
Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits
The Big Picture
The Alliance
Zero to One
Against The Gods
The Biggest Con
The Fear Book
Autobiography of a Yogi
One Up on Wall Street
The Boys in the Boat
Rich Dad, Poor Dad
Food and Nutrition
Civilian Warriors
ANSI Common Lisp
Motherless Brooklyn
Dominion
For the Love of the Land
Sperm Wars
Genius
The Medici Effect
Hiroshima
Black Edge
The Curse of the Mogul
The Hockey Stick Illusion
The Weather Makers
Cashing in on the American Dream
Nixon Agonistes
A Whole New Mind
A Life Decoded
What Has Government Done To Our Money?
Clocks and Culture
The Kelly Capital Growth Investment Criterion
Relentless
The Hunt for Red October
Thus Spoke the Plant
Secret Sauce
Hatching Twitter
The World For Sale
Revolution
The Path To Power
Longitude
Modern Man in Search of a Soul
A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety
Economics in One Lesson
Why We Believe in God(s)