Richard Dawkins Explains What Genes Reveal About the Past

The Michael Shermer Show # 454

If we go back in time, every single generation would have been the same species as the previous generation and the next generation. So, how can species form?

On this episode, Richard Dawkins explains how the body, behavior, and genes of every living creature can be read as a "book of the dead"—an archive of the worlds of its ancestors.

Dawkins shows that these genetic books offer insights into the history of life, revealing how animals have adapted to challenges over time. He argues that understanding these evolutionary patterns unlocks a nuanced view of the past, allowing us to see the remarkable continuity in how life overcomes obstacles.

Richard Dawkins was Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford University. His numerous books include The Selfish Gene, The God Delusion, and The Blind Watchmaker.

SUPPORT THE PODCAST
If you enjoy the podcast, please show your support by making a $5 or $10 monthly donation.

#michaelshermer
#skeptic

Listen to The Michael Shermer Show or subscribe directly on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.

[sharonboggs]

I travel to Milwaukee next month to see Richard Dawkins and hear him speak about his new book. I even paid extra for the book signing and photo op afterwards. I started reading him several years ago and his work changed my life and my ability to better critically think about issues. I will be forever grateful for his voice of knowledge and reason

[Jim-sd]

Fascinating! Dawkins knows his onions. Great to live in an age where these conversations are available for all.

[RaptorSeer]

1:14:20 "We have no right to expect, necessarily, that our brains are equipped to understand everything." Gleaming through the thick erudition, this is the humility that all scholars should remember to cultivate, and it's a call to embrace patience and compassion in dealing with others who think differently. Thanks for sharing the discussion.

[maddydrea]

this is such an intelligent and elucidating conversation between 2 different but brilliant men. i have to listen to it again. thank you.

[markshelor]

"Evolution is imprisoned by history"
Banger line.

[Mapping_the_Mind]

Loved this conversation, Richard seemed so relaxed, probably because he wasn't being asked stupid questions 😊

[indricotherium]

What an extraordinarily calm and thoughtful conversation. A gem.

[noeditbookreviews]

I can't wait for this book. It's one of only two things I've ever pre-ordered in my life.

[dipdo]

I could listen to the giraffe story over and over and never not be astonished!!

[EleanorPeterson]

47:00 - Re a person of faith discovering that the religious 'facts' they've been brought up on aren't based on reality... "What do you do then?" asks Michael on their behalf.

As (hopefully) everyone watching this video will know: what you do is you ask more questions. If you find answers to those questions, you question the answers!

Eventually, you'll uncover the truth. Maybe. You might not be around to hear it, but your great, great, great grandson may be. Or not.

Unlike religion, science rarely provides satisfyingly complete answers to order, but they're always worth waiting for.

[СергейДядькин-яф]

Thanks for the interview! I'm watching from Russia, despite the fact that our government is slowing down YouTube.

[collywobs]

Very refreshing. Richard is interviewed by so many idiots. Now we have two very intelligent men chatting. Could not be better. Can we have more of this.

[jaakdefour]

fwiw, the "device" they can't name at 31min30 is the Antikythera mechanism (see some great youtube videos for more info)

[earnmyturns]

The issue I had with SJ Gould in his book Wonderful Life is that he jumped to conclusions the basis of morphologic evidence in the fossil record alone. He ignored that gobs and gobs of biological traits that contribute to the evolution of species or their extinction leave no trace in the fossil record: colour, to camouflage or stand out; chemical weapons such as deterring scents, irritants, poisons, pheromones and so on; one can go on.

[JohnDavis-ec]

I love you two, I was unable to work and afford an education. Thanks for all your hard work.

[mayflowerlash]

Dear Michael Shermer, I watch most of your interviews, they are very interesting.
I have a request. Richard Dawkins is a hero of mine and I notice his new book prominently displayed behind him. My curiosity is with the other books on the shelves behind him.
What are the titles? I would be interested to read the books that Dawkins has found worthy of keeping on his bookshelves.

[JukeboxJunkie]

The man who, more than anyone else, changed my mind and therefore my life. What a mind. What a writer. I cannot wait to read this new book. And I cannot wait to reread it—as I have done and will continue to do with all of his books. It's an honour to share this place and this moment in a vast eternity with Professor Dawkins.

[roysmallian]

Richard Dawkins keeps working. Always something new, and relevant.

[TomiTapio]

Two guys that I trust, on the same conversation, nice. (ps. watch "Beyond Belief" conference recordings 2001 ish)

[radwanabu-issa]

Biological evolution remains the best model to explain the vast amount of knowledge and information accumulated through academic research, particularly over the last two hundred years. "Creationists" and others criticize the theory of evolution, but they are incapable of proposing an alternative theory that explains the available data better or at least as good as the theory of evolution.