Row, Row, Row your boat, gently down the stream...

Throughout chapter three of "The Selfish Gene" Dawkins explains basic genetics. He explains what a gene is and how this is related to both DNA and sexual reproduction. In fact, he even explains how the crossing over of genes occurs in humans and why it is we are unique from each other, in other words the variation between "the four letters" and their sequence. 

For those of us who have had Biology class already know all of this inside and out, we are completely aware how exactly DNA acts on our cells and why this is considered to contain the 'building blocks'. We even understand how mutations and occur and how these may affect evolution of the species in the long run. But the most important concept of this chapter is that even though Dawkins does explain basic genetics, he gives his definition of the gene. This definition simply 'backs up' his theory on why and how humans are selfish due to their genes. 

Although his definition may be accurate it leads the reader to think that since genes are immortal and we are their survival machines, and these genes have been and currently are, are we always going to be selfish? Does there exist a solution to this problem? Or must we simply keep on acting as their selfish survival machines?

I have noticed that since the book is full of scientific terms Dawkins must find a way to put these scientific theories in simple and clear words in order for the reader to completely understand their meanings. He does this by using many analogies throughout the book, and not only does he use them in one chapter but he also refers back to them in future chapters. Personally the analogy on 'architecture' , 'fertilizer', and 'oars men' made me understand the text better and created an imagery in my head that helped me connect certain ideas.