I started to read “The Selfish Gene” on the train yesterday. I was pleased to see that one of the forewords included a reference to it being a good book to read on a train. I felt smug and optimistic, and started to read. It turned out to require concentration, and slightly more than I could provide. There is a glitch in English law that makes it illegal to throw from a train window any small sulking children who are losing a loud game of Snap and preventing people from concentrating on their books.
I think the book is going to talk about altruism and common misconceptions about the “good of the species”. Today, I have been altruistic. I have found a site where you can help other drinkers with the difficult task of choosing a pub to frequent. You can pass on your knowledge to fresh members of the species. I found it bizarrely satisfying to enter my thoughts about pubs. Deep down some fundamental desire to help fledgeling alcoholics has rewarded me with a feeling of wellbeing and respect for my fellow man after sharing my views on drinking establishments.