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tie-dying those selfish genes

When Pinker notes Dawkin's use of the term "self-ish" gene, he is quick to add that it is a metaphor. Yes, but is it an apt one?

A self-ish person doesn't share with others: the gene, on the other hand, seems rather "anxious" to do so. Wouldn't it be more on target to compare the gene with a person who strives to share with others? Granted, this person would want to share ONLY its own identity--nothing less and nothing more--but share it does.

In such a case, wouldn't the neo-Platonic expression "bonum sibi difusus est" (the good is self-diffusive) be more fittingly applied to genes?

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