Evil Genes review

My very first book review!! Joanne reviews the book Evil Genes by Barbara Oakley from her lab at U of I. The blowing sound is a biosafety cabinet. Oops!

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Joanne
• Manaster
• Barbara
• Oakley
• Evil
• Genes
• book

[etbitmydogucf]

She's a grad student?  I would guess... 29?

[joannelovesscience]

I'm a professor, and a number of years older than 29. (thanks!) But I do get confused as being a grad student or post doc quite often.

[ClamCrunchy]

@KingOfAllMorons Evolutionary biology probably has many valid explanations for such things, but using evolution to explain religious belief and the like implies that we are entirely determined by genes and environment. So there cannot be personal responsibility for any action, whether good or bad. I'm afraid that if people begin to believe that they have no personal accountability, then they might be more willing to act immorally. Why not lie, cheat or steal if one isn't responsible for it?

[80sHitz]

You’re so intelligent and very captivating too ;) what a desirable combination. No disrespect intended Joanne, just a compliment. Science Rules!!!

[pct437]

Those cells don't know how lucky they are to spend all day in the company of a beautiful woman!

[pct437]

Those cells don't know how lucky they are to spend all day in the company of a beautiful woman.

[RobotBadger]

That book is so whack, it fails to verify the motha f'in hypothesis. (take on daily show quote); no, but seriously. Hitler had no children. People consume and conquer resources to leave offspring: H1. In Hitler's case, you could say his progeny were the remaining followers. Thus he metaphysically reproduced with various individuals in society. Hitler was a brilliant man; I wish I could have met him.

[PNHassett]

watch?v=JqN67bSxXVQ

I actually emailed Prof Oakley that the above behavior may quantify as BPD. Well, he got kicked out due to sexual harassment. If not warrented, he's certainly overbearing and full

of entitlement. 

Prof Oakley replied and agreed with my assessment. The thing is people usually don't know a personality disorder when it's right there in front of them.

[KingOfAllMorons]

Ever since Wilson's famous book on "sociobiology" there has been a movement which tries to explain poltiics,economics, and the social sciences quite generally through the lens of biology...and its fascinating! Thank you for bringthis book to our attention. Recently I read David Sloan's Wilson's "Evolution for Everyone"--how evolutionary biology helps explain things from musical taste to religion.

[LivingJacket]

Thanks for the review. I will definitely pick up the book!