Professor Richard Dawkins discusses the influences and inspirations that have shaped his life and thinking.<br /><br />Chatting to science broadcaster Adam Rutherford in the world-famous Ri Lecture Theatre, the pioneering scientist and public thinker reveals how he developed an "appetite for wonder" for the biological sciences.<br /><br />From his upbringing in Nairobi and Nyasaland (now Malawi) to his early experiences with religion, Dawkins talks about his motivations for becoming a scientist and his experiences at Oxford University and Berkeley, California during a period of social and political unrest.<br /><br />Find out how he arrived at the idea of the "selfish gene" -- the basis of his seminal 1976 publication, one of the best-selling popular science books ever written -- and discover more about his research and writing process.<br /><br />Plus, the Ri audience ask a range of revealing questions -- from how he overcome his natural shyness and stutter at school to what his advice would be to an 18 year old who wants to get into popular science. <br /><br />Find out more about "An Appetite for Wonder" on the Richard Dawkins website: http://www.richarddawkins.net<br /><br />Watch more science videos on the amazing Ri Channel: http://richannel.org<br /><br />The Ri is on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ri_science<br />and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/royalinstitution<br />Subscribe for the latest science videos: http://richannel.org/newsletter
