The Selfish Gene is one of the most important books I’ve ever read. It changed my perspective on life and on what it means to be human. It also sheds light on the world we live in and even on how politics works. If you feel like nothing makes sense anymore in the “clown world” we were born into, read this book—suddenly, many things start to click.

In simple, accessible language, Dawkins explains the theory of evolution and how humans came into existence. The central idea is that every organism is a “survival machine” for the genes it carries. Each human is essentially a machine controlled by genes acting as pilots. These genes survive by jumping from one machine to another, made possible through reproduction.

After finishing the book, my view of myself, my family, and even the possibility of life’s meaning changed profoundly. The Selfish Gene is what I would call a true “must-read.” If you haven’t explored it yet, I highly recommend doing so.

Just as a side note: The Selfish Gene does not rule out the existence of a creator, despite what some reviewers—and even Dawkins himself—might suggest. It simply explains the theory of evolution, which (even if fully true in detail) does not necessarily make the existence of God impossible.

Learn more about the book on Goodreads.