In 'An Appetite for Wonder', Richard Dawkins takes readers on a captivating exploration of his life and the origins of his scientific passions. This memoir blends personal anecdotes with profound insights into evolutionary biology, highlighting the awe and wonder of the natural world. Dawkins shares his reflections on pivotal experiences that shaped his thinking and his fight against superstition and dogma. With eloquence and clarity, he invites readers to embrace curiosity and skepticism as essential tools for understanding our universe. This is not just a biography; it’s a call to marvel at the complexity of life and our place within it.
By Richard Dawkins
Published: 2013
"The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking."
The evolutionary biologist and atheist, whose work has transformed thought on genes, evolution, and religion, offers insight into his own evolution as a man and as a thinker, from his beginnings in Kenya to his intellectual awakening at Oxford.
Richard Dawkins is a renowned evolutionary biologist and author, best known for popularizing the gene-centered view of evolution through his groundbreaking book, "The Selfish Gene," published in 1976. Born on March 26, 1941, in Nairobi, Kenya, he later moved to England, where he earned his doctorate at the University of Oxford under Nobel Prize-winning ethologist Nikolaas Tinbergen. Dawkins is a prominent advocate for atheism and secularism, eloquently articulating his views in works such as "God Delusion," which critiques religion and promotes scientific reasoning. His engaging writing style and thought-provoking ideas have made him a prominent figure in both the scientific community and public discourse. Through his lectures and public appearances, Dawkins continues to inspire curiosity and debate on the nature of life, evolution, and belief.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Showing 8 of 30 similar books
Paul Graham is a prominent programmer, venture capitalist, and essayist known for his influential work in the tech startup ecosystem. He co-founded Viaweb, one of the first web-based applications, which was later acquired by Yahoo! and became Yahoo! Store. As a co-founder of Y Combinator, Graham has been instrumental in funding and mentoring numerous successful startups, including Dropbox, Airbnb, and Reddit. His essays, collected in books such as "Hackers & Painters," offer profound insights into technology, entrepreneurship, and philosophy, making significant contributions to modern literature on these subjects. Graham's blend of technical expertise and thought leadership has made him a pivotal figure in both the tech and literary communities.
View CollectionAlex Lieberman is the co-founder and executive chairman of Morning Brew, a media company that delivers engaging business news. Under his leadership, Morning Brew has grown to reach millions of subscribers, becoming a significant player in modern business journalism. Lieberman is also known for his insightful commentary on entrepreneurship and media trends. His work has significantly influenced the way business news is consumed by younger audiences. Beyond Morning Brew, Lieberman frequently writes and speaks about the intersection of media and technology, further cementing his role as a thought leader in the industry.
View CollectionNeil deGrasse Tyson is a renowned astrophysicist, author, and science communicator, best known for his work in popularizing science through various media. As the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, he has played a pivotal role in bringing astronomical discoveries to the public. Tyson has authored several bestselling books, including "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" and "The Pluto Files," which have made complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. He is also the host of the popular science TV show "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey," a continuation of Carl Sagan's groundbreaking series. Tyson's contributions have significantly enhanced public understanding and appreciation of the universe.
View CollectionNaval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
View CollectionCharlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.
View CollectionAnu Hariharan is a distinguished partner at Y Combinator's Continuity Fund, where she has been instrumental in scaling numerous startups into successful enterprises. With a strong background in economics and technology, she has become a respected voice in the venture capital community. Hariharan has also made significant contributions through her writing on startup growth and investment strategies, offering insightful analyses and practical advice to entrepreneurs. Her work is frequently featured in leading business publications, showcasing her expertise in the tech industry. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Hariharan is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within the startup ecosystem.
View CollectionMorgan Housel is a financial writer and partner at The Collaborative Fund, best known for his book The Psychology of Money. His work explores the behavioral side of finance, emphasizing how emotions, history, and decision-making impact wealth-building. Housel’s writing is widely praised for being accessible, insightful, and engaging, making complex financial topics easier to understand. He contributes regularly to financial publications and speaks at conferences on the power of long-term thinking in finance. His book has become a modern classic in the personal finance genre.
View CollectionReid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 18 related collections
“The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.”
An Appetite for Wonder
By Richard Dawkins
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts