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One of the most renowned evolutionary biologists
at work today, Richard Dawkins has written passionately
for years on subjects that matter deeply to him -- and matter
urgently to all of us. A Devil's Chaplain brings
together the best and most provocative of his essays, on
subjects ranging from evolution to ethics, from travel to
literature, from education to religion. The result is an
intriguing portrait of one of the finest minds in science.
With eloquence and vigor, these essays put
forward Dawkins's most fundamental axiom: seek truth. He
speaks out against pseudoscience and deftly dissects religion
and mysticism. In a powerful letter to his ten-year-old
daughter, he argues for the necessity of basing any belief
on solid evidence. And he doesn't shy away from skewering
the loftiest institutions, whether judicial or educational.
"To hell with... your fact-stuffed syllabuses and your
endless roster of exams," he proclaims with refreshing
directness. He writes infectiously of his awe at the marvelous
complexity of the universe, pays moving tribute to dear
friends and worthy colleagues, and tenderly recalls his
boyhood in Africa. Uncompromising, even ruthless, as Dawkins
famously is when defending scientific truth and reason,
this collection also shows a gentler, more contemplative
side which may surprise his many readers.
Here we meet the essential Richard Dawkins:
inspirational in both his unswerving attention to rationalism
and his abiding passions.
Richard Dawkins is the Charles Simonyi
Professor of the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford
University. Among his highly acclaimed books are Unweaving
the Rainbow, The Blind Watchmaker and The
Selfish Gene.
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