What is your overall perception of Richard Dawkins?

Richard Dawkins, in my opinion, has one of the most sagacious minds in the scientific world today. On top of having a mastery of his subject area (evolutionary biology and zoology), he is probably the most adept scientist at articulating evolutionary theory and its implications to a lay audience, while at the same time infusing his prose with poetic artistry. It is rare to find an instructor, on such a high academic level, who can elucidate an inherently esoteric topic such as evolution, in terms accessible to the common man, while also maintain a degree of sophistication that sufficiently refutes the critiques of even the most seasoned detractor of evolutionary theory.

He is a beacon of hope in the scientific world, which due to the onslaught of irrational groups like the creationists, and their more sophisticated cousins (intelligent design theorists), is in need of savior that will champion its cause in the face of an ever strident dogma. Not since the writings of Hawkings, Einstein, Newton, and even Darwin himself has a writer kindled the imagination of the masses towards science. I am utterly grateful for his contributions to the intellectual betterment of mankind and for his latest critique of modern man’s most sancrosanct of principles – the belief in God. Read his latest work “The God Delusion” to see what this prodigious and enviable mind is capable of.

I have read one of his books. He is smart, eloquent, and reminds me very much of Sam Harris. Each of them has an almost uncanny ability to express their ideas clearly, and they share the same subject matter. When I heard Richard Dawkins on a radio program a year ago, he was really entertaining to listen to. The British accent is a nice touch.

He is an outstanding thinker but not always a good judge of circumstances. He lacks charm where it would do him good. His biological works are breathtaking but The God Delusion is a crowd pleaser - it is full of recycled material and rather unscholarly assumptions. People should read it - but then they should read his better works, and the works on which TGD is based.

He is an excellent and thought-provoking writer whose work should be read by all Young-earth creationists. His most recent book, The God Delusion, should be read by anyone who thinks about religion. Unfortunately the people it would most benefit are the least likely to read it.

Atheist/neurobiologist, interesting in progress of man's evolution... He really doesn't believe in religious "gods"..... but stands in awe of more "scientific" mysteries.... like an unknowable invisible force.... that some would call god.

Brave

I haven't yet read anything by him, but many of my philosophy books are full of quotes of his. He is a very respected philosopher, and from the interviews I have seen, seems genuinely interested in the progress of mankind.

I did not look into his works, but reading from the answers, I think it is worthy for me to check them out.

Richard Dawkins > Jesus. That is all.

Biological genius.

Horrible philosopher, dishonest historian.