George C. Williams

Date of Birth: May 12, 1926

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: September 8, 2010

Biography

George Christopher Williams was an eminent American evolutionary biologist, born on May 12, 1926. He was widely recognized for his rigorous work in the field of natural selection and his groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of evolutionary biology. Williams received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1955. He served as a professor at the State University of New York at Stony Brook for the majority of his career, where he became known for his clear and insightful writings on biology. Williams is perhaps best known for his seminal book, “Adaptation and Natural Selection” (1966), in which he argued against group selection and for the predominance of gene-centered evolution. His work laid the groundwork for much of modern evolutionary biology and influenced later scientists, including Richard Dawkins. Throughout his career, Williams received numerous awards and honors, including election to the National Academy of Sciences. He was also a co-founder of the field of evolutionary medicine, which applies principles of evolutionary biology to understand health and disease.

5 Interesting Facts about George C. Williams

1. George C. Williams was a vocal critic of group selection, advocating instead for the gene-centered view of evolution.

2. He was awarded the Daniel Giraud Elliot Medal from the National Academy of Sciences in 1992 for his contributions to zoology.

3. Williams co-authored the influential book “Why We Get Sick: The New Science of Darwinian Medicine” with Randolph M. Nesse, which popularized the field of evolutionary medicine.

4. He introduced the concept of “antagonistic pleiotropy,” which explains why traits that are beneficial early in life can be detrimental later on.

5. Williams was a mentor to many influential evolutionary biologists, helping to shape the direction of the field for decades.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from George C. Williams

1. “Adaptation has to be a compromise between conflicting demands.”

2. “Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.”

3. “We are survival machines—robot vehicles blindly programmed to preserve the selfish molecules known as genes.”

4. “Science is not a monument of received Truth but something that people do to look for truth.”

5. “The human body is a product of natural selection, and it is not perfect.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

George C. Williams was primarily an academic and did not achieve a notable net worth comparable to figures in the business or entertainment industries. His value was more in his intellectual contributions to science.

Children

George C. Williams had three children: two sons and a daughter. Their names and additional details about their lives have been kept private, respecting family wishes for privacy.