John writes:
>I'm not sure I understand you. I was speaking in terms of the ideas
>raised by Dawkins' book, The Selfish Gene. It contains a persuasive
>argument that we're really just highly evolved gene-propagation
>systems. Of course, this only applies as a general rule - anyone can
>find specific examples of people who have elected out of the game.
>They don't invalidate Dawkins' theory though.
True. I think we are highly-evolved gene propogation machines, or
at least we *were*, until we evolved memes. When I think of "my
best interest", I tend to think of my memes rather than my genes,
because I think the former more correctly describe what I think I
am than do the latter. So, I'm at least as inclined to propogate my
memes as I am my genes; certainly, I don't feel much sense of
gratitude to my genes, as I'm just their temporary survival
vehicle...
-Ken