michaelacabus's review against another edition
3.0
It shines when discussing biology and academia. It becomes boorish and boring when it discusses atheism. It’s not the topic or any offence personally to the idea of atheism, it’s really just that discussing atheism as a philosophy seems superfluous, like a dinner host talking endlessly about the desert they never got round to making. One wants something in its place at least if it will be such a topic. I did however find myself inspired by his relish for scientific inquiry and the brave pursuit of intellectual curiosity. And I added several books to my to read list I would have never heard about before.
It is Neil Tyson’s appearance in the book that is most inspiring as a way of understanding education and truth. Tyson’s advocation that educators put the truth out there and communicate that truth with a sensitivity of context is lost on Dawkins at least in this book. And until it’s taken to heart I don’t believe Dawkins will ever be meaningful in the way he wants: to be a force for rational thought.
It is Neil Tyson’s appearance in the book that is most inspiring as a way of understanding education and truth. Tyson’s advocation that educators put the truth out there and communicate that truth with a sensitivity of context is lost on Dawkins at least in this book. And until it’s taken to heart I don’t believe Dawkins will ever be meaningful in the way he wants: to be a force for rational thought.
caroparr's review against another edition
3.0
Even those of us who admire Dawkins may find this richly detailed second volume to be too detailed. No anecdote is left untold, no connection unnamed. Only for devoted fans.
zachhois's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
What a fun guy. Some fantastic anecdotes along side, real deal scientific teaching. It was a good mix, and it’s pretty cool to hear about some behind the scenes at the highest level of zoology.
silversparkles50's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
tbr_the_unconquered's review against another edition
3.0
There is a clarity of thought that Richard Dawkins possesses that is unmissable in his writings. Whether he is talking about animal behaviour or the pitfalls of organized religion, things are crystal clear from how he articulates it all. The same extends to his books when he explores his own life and what he has been through. This is the second in his series of biographies where the focus is mostly on Dawkins life through his work. A lot of it is about what really goes on in his mind when he is writing, speaking, talking or appearing in the public. As Steven Pinker puts it on the book jacket blurb, it can closely be approximated to eavesdropping on the mind of Dawkins.
There isn’t much of new ground that is covered in this book in terms of scientific ideas for it is almost fully about the behind the scenes happenings. Dawkins gives a glimpse of what it means to be a don at Oxford and a time spent living between academic years. The book then proceeds to various arenas of Dawkins’s work – islands where he is doing research, television appearances, Christmas Lectures to kids and so on. Dawkins possesses a dry wit that he sprinkles all along the way as he moves on, it is the kind to give you a little smile at times.
Not really a fantastic book but provided you like Dawkins, this would be a good addition. Nothing more or less.
There isn’t much of new ground that is covered in this book in terms of scientific ideas for it is almost fully about the behind the scenes happenings. Dawkins gives a glimpse of what it means to be a don at Oxford and a time spent living between academic years. The book then proceeds to various arenas of Dawkins’s work – islands where he is doing research, television appearances, Christmas Lectures to kids and so on. Dawkins possesses a dry wit that he sprinkles all along the way as he moves on, it is the kind to give you a little smile at times.
Not really a fantastic book but provided you like Dawkins, this would be a good addition. Nothing more or less.
tartancrusader's review against another edition
2.0
I don't normally comment on books which I've abandoned but, seeing as how I made it to 60%, I feel justified in doing so this time.
Mildly interesting at times, this failed however to hold my attention. A blend of anecdote, name-dropping and science none of which somehow stimulated me sufficiently to keep me going until the end.
Mildly interesting at times, this failed however to hold my attention. A blend of anecdote, name-dropping and science none of which somehow stimulated me sufficiently to keep me going until the end.
amadswami's review against another edition
3.0
My high expectations were dashed within the first chapter as I am finding it scientifically impossible to care about thus subject matter. I can’t tell if he actually thinks his life is this mundane or he’s an elitist trying to pass for an Everyman.