By LORI KOZLOWSKI - LA TIMES
Added: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 UTC

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sciw-dawkins-qanda4-2009nov04,0,3848402,full.story

In the 150 years since the publication of Charles Darwin's landmark book, "On the Origin of Species," researchers have accrued massive amounts of evidence in support of evolution and the mechanics behind the process. Yet today only 4 in 10 Americans believe that evolution occurred.

British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, an eminent scholar and outspoken atheist, has for decades written best-selling books on evolutionary processes and has repeatedly called for rational public thinking on the matter. In his latest book, "The Greatest Show on Earth: The Evidence for Evolution" (Free Press, 2009), he provides an illustrated primer on how it all works. (For The Times book review, go here.)

Dawkins' deep admiration and reverence for scientific processes are evident. He covers the gamut: the power that lies in biology, the delicacy and perfection of natural selection, how everything once lived in the sea, and why Darwin loved orchids.

In a rapid round of questions, Dawkins talked about the book and the ongoing argument about evolution.

Unlike your previous book "The God Delusion," which argues that belief in a personal god is not only incorrect but irrational, your latest seems to be more of an educational text -- providing proof and explaining scientific processes. Was that your aim?

Yes, that was my intention. But it is not a textbook. It's a book for lay people.

Throughout the book, you seem to have a deep respect, almost a love, as if you are in awe of the process. Is evolution your religion?

Well, I don't want to say that. I quite like how you say I am in awe of the process though.

As biology and biological processes go, would you say that life is complicated or a simple process?

Life is very complicated. But the process that gives rise to it is very simple.
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http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-sciw-dawkins-qanda4-2009nov04,0,3848402,full.story

TAGGED: EVOLUTION, INTERVIEWS, RICHARD DAWKINS