On the self-replicating molecules which Richard Dawkins talked about...
I don't know what they are, so I can't make a judgment on it yet. But it's not definitely an idea you can just laugh off without even researching the subject.
Here's a link about the pioneering scientist in that venture:
Julius Rebek
Here's one of the recent developments in the field of molecular evolution, particularly one that deals with self-replicating molecules:
PHYSORG.COM - Darwin in a test tube: Scientists make molecules that evolve, compete, mimick behavior of Darwin's finches
And from the
New Scientist:
Artificial molecule evolves in the lab
People like bungot25 would laugh at Dawkins for propounding the idea of self-replicating molecules. A lot of influential people (like Martin Luther) mocked Galileo for advancing his heliocentric view of the universe. Who's laughing at Galileo now? Self-replicating molecules is a joke? tsk tsk...Withhold judgment until you've gotten to know the subject much more in-depth.