where can i find out more about the theory of humans being a genetic mistake?

[R_P_A_S]

Im not sure of the correct terms. But I did hear on Pacifica radio some people talking about books or works of some scientist or evolutionist who had came up with a theory on how genes were just these parasite host that just happened to evolve off anything or whatever... basically saying that genes are running the world and humans just happened to be an accident that just happened from genes evolving.. like it was all mere chance that we are here.

I hope I make some sense... I would love to read more about this theory. I hope I shed enough light with my little info to get some help.

thank you

[eyedrop]

That reminds me of the selfish gene idea put forth by Richard Dawkins. I haven't read any of his books on it though.

[R_P_A_S]

That reminds me of the selfish gene idea put forth by Richard Dawkins. I haven't read any of his books on it though.

Yeah it does. I really hope to find this.

[ÑóẊîöʼn]

Have you tried looking in your local library for The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins? Because that kind of sounds like what you're talking about. Although I must say it sounds like you heard a very garbled version of the idea - the idea behind the selfish gene, as I understand it, is that humans, rather than being a "mistake"* are, along with every other living species, convoluted mechanisms for propagating genes.

*How an unconscious process, lacking intentions, can produce mistakes I will never know. Humans have a most vexatious tendency to assume agency to things which have none.

[which doctor]

Evolution and the natural world don't make mistakes. Things just....happen.

[bcbm]

i'd start here (http://www.revleft.com/vb/member.php?u=10731)

[R_P_A_S]

i'd start here (http://www.revleft.com/vb/member.php?u=10731)

I don't get it...


Anyways... I've heard of the Selfish Gene, but this wasn't it.

[ZeroNowhere]

That reminds me of the selfish gene idea put forth by Richard Dawkins. I haven't read any of his books on it though.
No, Dawkins doesn't say that humans come about 'by chance'. He does personify genes occasionally, but does mention from time to time that this is simply for illustrative purposes, rather than implying that genes are living beings as the theory in the OP would require. Still, it's possible that he was being discussed, seeing as it seems most people who read the book misread it.

[bcbm]

I don't get it...

self-deprecating humor.