Richard Dawkins Event

Insightful and intellectual, without being at all superior.

Feature by Laurel Wilson | 08 Sep 2007
Richard Dawkins spoke to a packed crowd in the Main Theatre of the Book Festival, a crowd which was hoping for controversy. He was here to speak about his book The God Delusion, an astounding success both in Britain and the United States, home of the Evangelical Right. Dawkins was surprised by its success in America, but puts it down to the idea that he has articulated what many people were thinking and helped them find the courage to admit it publicly. Dawkins spoke of the need to convince and "seduce" opponents to science with reasoned argument, such as those advocating that intelligent design be taught alongside evolution as an equal theory. His talk was relaxed, but contained a sense of the need for action. Dawkins was insightful and intellectual, without being at all superior. He was also, surprisingly, very funny - giving anecdotes with a dry and well-timed delivery. The chair of the event, Muriel Gray, provided added comic entertainment, but her questions were also excellent and kept the discussion interesting and fast-paced. Dawkins is one of the world's leading intellectuals and made a wonderful contribution to the festival. [Laurel Wilson]
http://richarddawkins.net/