George C. Williams

Date of Birth: May 12, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: September 8, 2010

Biography

George Christopher Williams was a notable American evolutionary biologist who made seminal contributions to the field of evolutionary theory. Born in 1926 in Charlotte, North Carolina, he developed a keen interest in biology from a young age. Williams earned his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1955, where he focused on the evolutionary basis of natural selection. Williams is best known for his work on the theory of natural selection and for his 1966 book, “Adaptation and Natural Selection: A Critique of Some Current Evolutionary Thought,” which challenged the prevailing ideas about group selection and emphasized the role of individual selection. His ideas were foundational to the development of the gene-centered view of evolution, further popularized by Richard Dawkins in “The Selfish Gene.” Throughout his career, Williams held various academic positions, including a long tenure at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. His work earned him numerous accolades, including election to the National Academy of Sciences and the prestigious Crafoord Prize in Biosciences. Williams passed away on September 8, 2010, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence evolutionary biology.

5 Interesting Facts about George C. Williams

1. George C. Williams was one of the first to propose that aging might be an evolutionary adaptation.

2. He was a vocal critic of the concept of group selection, arguing instead for the importance of gene-centered selection.

3. Williams co-authored the book “Why We Get Sick: The New Science of Darwinian Medicine” which laid the foundation for the field of evolutionary medicine.

4. He served as a professor at the State University of New York at Stony Brook for over 30 years.

5. Williams received the Crafoord Prize in Biosciences, which is considered one of the highest honors in the field of evolutionary biology.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George C. Williams

1. “Natural selection is the blind watchmaker, blind because it does not see ahead, does not plan consequences, has no purpose in view.”

2. “Biology is the study of complicated things that have the appearance of having been designed with a purpose.”

3. “The gene-centered view of evolution is not a theory of how things should be, but of how things are.”

4. “Adaptation is the heart of the theory of natural selection.”

5. “In natural selection, the environment does the selecting; it is a passive process that results in the survival and reproduction of organisms best suited to the current conditions.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George C. Williams’ work was primarily academic, and he did not amass significant personal wealth. His highest net worth was likely modest, reflecting a career dedicated to science and education rather than financial gain.

Children

George C. Williams had a family, but specific details about his children are not widely documented. He is known to have been a private individual regarding his personal life.