An update on Richard’s condition in his own words.

Featured Original Richard's News
Feb 13, 2016

Richard recorded the following message to update everyone on his condition.

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576 comments on “An update on Richard’s condition in his own words.”

  • 1
    rationalmind says:

    It can’t just be me can it?
    I can’t see any sign of any message at all!
    In any case my personal best wishes to Richard and until I looked on line it never occurred to me that I should even think about people praying for him 🙂



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  • 4
    James Henderson says:

    Dear Richard, please get better. I love you. At the age of 45 of course i know that we all lose everyone someday. But I am not just a fan of your life and work. I’m ALIVE because of you, and some others along the way. As a frightened, 12 year old run-away, raising themselves on the streets of Los Angeles, circa 1982, the time I spent hiding in libraries or giving myself to intellectual adults so I could be safe in their homes for a night, and even more important to me, so I could get access to their books, those were the times that shaped, and saved my life. YOU, Sir, and the Selfish Gene (at that time), reached out to me in my tragic state, and validated what I so desperately believed and held on to: That religion was a lie. That we really were animals. That every horrible aspect of human life traced back to actual things that were in our power as a species to change. That we were also, special. Despite things I saw and went through then, you gave me hope, and CLARITY at a time when the only attempt at such a thing in normal society was a priest or a ‘therapist’. Thank You Richard. Honestly, thank you so much. My kids know well of you. Please get better. I’ll be selfish and say, I’m simply not ready yet. -JH



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  • 6
    Mihaela Muntean says:

    I’m shocked to hear this news, I’ve been living under a rock these days, it seems.
    I hope we will see you up and about in no time, engaging in all kinds of controversies. Best wishes from Romania!



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  • 8
    Brett Minard says:

    I was extremely distressed when I hear Richard had a stroke. I was so glad to hear from him and understand he is now back home. I wish him a speedy recovery and send my best wishes. Rest and get better Richard.



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  • 15
    Manuel says:

    Get well soon Prof. Dawkins! As we have witnessed in the last couple of weeks, your struggle for reason and critical thinking is as relevant now as it has ever been!



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  • 16
    aydin says:

    Get well soon Sir!! I wish you a speedy recovery!!

    And the hell with those pseudo liberals and their silly PC agenda! They are not worthy your time anyways.

    Love from Turkey!!
    Aydin



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  • 20
    Anvil says:

    Have a good rest. Get that blood pressure sorted. DO what the Physio’s tell you. Get some sun on your back – and then get back to bloody work. What do you think this is, Butlins?



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  • 21
    Fernando says:

    Happened twice to a dear friend of mine, once at the age of 18th and a second time in his mid 30s. He is over 40 today handling life as it is. I honestly hope you get well soon, overcome this and continue to enlighten us with your thoughts. Thank you.



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  • 27
    Horváth Gergely says:

    I hope you get well soon Mr. Dawkins! May I say, you’re my greatest hero, even though I’m only 14 years old. I’m a member of the Hungarian Atheist Memebase, and we all pray for you to the Flying Spaghettimonster. 🙂



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  • 30
    Richard Dawkins says:

    Very sorry I forgot to pay tribute to the wonderful nurses and doctors in the stroke unit of the John Radcliffe Hospital. Plaudits to he National Health Service. Everyone was incredibly kind. I never felt neglected.



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  • 32
    Arnolfo says:

    Richard,
    Sending well wishes for a speedy recovery. Please go easy on the controversy/stress for a spell – there will be plenty left when you get better. Focus on you. And congrats on your re-invitation. It’s a confirmation of the importance of you and your life’s work.



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  • 33
    Mattia Romagnoli says:

    I’m sorry for all that has happened, not only about the latest health issue but also with all that you had (and still have) to endure from people like those who attacked you on “feminism” grounds and those who even though about cancelling your invitation to the NECSS 2016. Get well soon Richard, there are people out here who hold you dearly.
    Best wishes with everything.



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  • 34
    rationalmind says:

    Ah at last I got to hear the message. It is so nice to hear that Richard’s cognitive functions are so obviously intact. I read every single tweet he makes so I missed him on twitter and was getting concerned. My sincere best wishes for a full recovery and I know that medical science can help.
    Watch that blood pressure and take it easy on twitter, I am baffled by the controversy and know a lot is deliberate misunderstanding. Always an atheist since early childhood I am very grateful for the God Delusion for finally getting rid of my Pascal’s Wager type occasional doubts.

    For the webmasters and anyone else having problems It seems that it doesn’t work using Firefox under Ubuntu Linux so I tried Chrome and it worked.



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  • 35
    Mari Viitala says:

    Thank you so much for taking the time to record this message. It’s a great relief to hear your voice and I’m very glad that you seem to be recovering so well. I wish you all the best & speedy recovery!



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  • 38
    Matthew Garnham says:

    Very sorry to hear of your stroke Richard. You and your work have improved the lives of countless people and helped so many to see the world in a clearer way. You are a huge inspiration, and our thoughts are with you on your swift recovery.



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  • 40
    chefnoire says:

    Dear Richard, it pains me to hear you overwhelmed by this stroke. However, it is most relieving to hear you are recovering, and very moving to see that even in this difficult state you naturally remain a beacon of inspiration.

    Thousands of individuals are grateful for your continuous contribution and mentorship, but in difficult times like these you do owe yourself a temporary measure of relief, away from stress and spotlights. I don’t believe that anything can change your unbending will and determination in the quest for truth, but please do refrain at least for a little bit from the concerns and stresses of this journey. There might be controversy, cancelled invitations, disagreement amongst peers however all these are dwarfed by your impact so far as well as by the importance of your well-being.

    Looking forward to seeing you all recovered and well.



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  • 46
    Brian D. Tucker says:

    My very best wishes for a speedy recovery, Richard. You, through your books and activism have been an important part in my intellectual and emotional development as a recovering former Evangelical. Thank you! It was so good to hear your voice today.



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  • 48
    mildjns says:

    Richard,
    It’s really nice to finally hear your voice again, i wish you a full and fast recovery, and i hope we will see you soon out there, on some stage doing what you do best – bringing reason and enlightenment to the world.
    Best wishes.



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  • 50
    iamTheSnark says:

    Stroke – Brain attack. Well, you have been attacking using your brain for many years, so I hope you can attack the illness and recover! Wishing you all the best. We need our Horsemen.



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  • 51
    btaverner says:

    Dear Richard
    Thank Science you are doing well.
    I was thinking of sacrificing the cat, but I will not bother now 🙂
    I as millions of others consider you a good friend, take care.

    With warm kind regards……. Brian



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  • 54
    Danette Baltzer says:

    Forunately you get your healthcare in the U. K. and not in the U.S.! Im sure you’ll be well taken care of and not bankrupt when your well again. Best wishes as you go through Physical Therapy and the healing process.



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  • 58
    Owlglass says:

    Dear Richard Dawkins,
    I wish you the best. It’s good that you didn’t lost your humour, but it’s very sad what is going with the “Regressive Left” or “Social Justice Warriors”. They aren’t your people. They are postmodernists and you never liked those (I don’t either). If anything, someone should kick off Science War II. Get well!



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  • 61
    Karen Mester says:

    Hi Richard, I hope you feel better soon! I know with strokes (as my own mother had one on the right parietal and occipital lobes), it will take time to get everything back in working order-so, don’t rush yourself. The most important thing is to continue with therapy and give the brain time to rest as well. Stay positive, keep things simple and relax! Here’s to a healthy recovery!



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  • 64
    LaurieB says:

    Richard,

    This could have been much worse.
    Still, the frustration you feel now is to be expected. We have all had quite a scare over this and thank you for the update. Good to hear that help and support is all around you. That is a great relief. I hope you have engaged a ferocious kick-ass physical therapist who will drive you toward recovery, giving no quarter to defeatist ideas that creep in, even to the most resilient of us in situations such as this one.

    Although your presence will be missed in the public sphere for the time of your recovery, this is temporary and necessary. Consider that Darwin himself spent much time in his wonderful home, in contemplation, surrounded by his doting family and the natural beauty that inspired his best thinking. In times of stress in my life I’ve taken a lesson from this and time spent in the quiet magnificence of the natural world is a therapy that has no equal.

    As one of your glass-half-full commenters, I hope that the time you spend recovering there is peaceful, contemplative, and as positive as you can possibly make it. Something that I’ve observed about the most formidable warriors out there is that they know when to attack and they also know when to retreat. Sometimes a temporary retreat is exactly the right thing to do under certain circumstances. Sometimes failure to retreat can result in disaster. So for now, let the officers carry the load. The entire army wants you to live. Live to fight another day.

    May the force of medical science be with you just when you need it the most.



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  • 65
    maria melo says:

    Thanks for the effort to communicate with the anonimous mass of people where I am included, despite the fragile health condition I can perceive in the voice. I am really sorry for what caused the distress, which really is regretabble (even if resolved at the end of the day), which I confess I thought as unfair and had some concern about it (see, I sometimes even buy a book from an artist just to observe and later come to the conclusion I dislike the art), not to mention that I wouldn´t like someone to think me as “bad” just because I may have done something “incorrect”.
    All my wishes for best health condition recovery (feeling healthy is just a luck, even if it momentary).
    Arinsing awareness on a real problematic issues is itself a valuable work, more when it causes enourmous controversy, but it is necessary.



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  • 66
    David Åhlund says:

    Dear Mr. Dawkins,

    I was deeply moved that you – during this difficult time – took the time and effort to give your readers, viewers and listeners this eloquent and partly even humorous update.

    This somewhat irrational world desperately needs voices like yours – so please get well quickly. I am hoping (but not praying) for your speedy recovery, and I also wish you the best care – both mentally and physically – during your time off.

    Thank you for all your hard work, which is always straight to the point yet well-worded and civilized.

    Best wishes,

    /David, UK



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  • 69
    Jack says:

    Dear Richard, I hope you recover completely and learn how to deal with the stress caused by those morons that just don’t get it. The current new feminist movement will turn out to be nothing more than a major embarressment to all involved.
    Your opinion counts for so much more and is so much deeper and meaningful.
    You have had such a brilliant career and have given so much of yourself to such a wonderful cause for so long, take some time for yourself and your family..I am so happy and greatfull that you have taken the time to write so many wonderful books, for me, it was “The God Delusion” that put the final nail in the coffin and gave me the courage to come out as an atheist.
    You are a wonderful and beautiful man, focus on your supporters and ignore your haters, your fans will take care of them.
    Focus on getting well, we need you around for a great many years still.
    Peace and comfort is what I wish for you, and the knowledge that you have many, many more supporters that love you than the number of small minded nit wits that bash you.
    Peace to you and your family.



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  • 70
    Josh Wagner says:

    Thank the Great Teapot in the Sky it wasn’t a cerebral stroke, the world still needs you Richard! Long live the Dawk!

    p.s. You’ve seriously changed my life for the better, and I will be forever in your debt. Thank you, Richard.



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  • 73
    Brian Larson says:

    Hoping you have a full and speedy recovery. My wife introduced me to your works – and God Delusion was the gentle push I needed to where I was heading anyway, many years ago. My fear is that we are nowhere near being a cohesive and influential intellectual group (“herding cats” is so applicable to atheists…) and I truly hope to see more from the RDF in that regard. It’s not much use to ‘come to the realization’ in isolation. We just end up being frustrated witnesses to the stupidity around us, wishing for more action from the enlightened few. Rest well and think on how to “pass the torch” (or a thousand torches, even better.)



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  • 75
    Steven Rainey says:

    hi i’m steven from belgium i’m 26 and i have a from of autism
    i work with people with all sorts of handicaps
    because it is hard for me to work in the normal sector
    i did not finnish school and have nothing to show for
    this christmas i asked for your book the god delusion in english.
    when i turned 19 i wonderd if there was a god but i found science instead
    i growed up with no god and no science conversations with my parrents
    god did not exists or did i wonder how the universe worked
    but that changed when i sat down one day and started to think about my life and what i want to do with it
    i was shocked about the fact that how little i know
    it was around the same time my parrents broke up and i developed a internet addiction i cut my self off from the world and played games in peace and learned on youtube i watched a lot of your debates with you and lawrence krauss , neil degrasse tyson and christopher hitchens instead of listening to music you changed my life how i view the world and i thank you
    i do not know a lot of stuff but i’m amazed that someone like me can grasp the things lots of people cant and i feel smart about the verry big and small all i have to do now is learn to deal with normal size things like living alone , finding love and raise my kids if i ever get them
    i hope you get better soon!



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  • 78
    James E. Anderson says:

    The Selfish Gene is a triumph. I read it as an undergrad in biology a long time ago. I was already aware of Darwin from grade school. It is one of those books that changed my view of the world. After reading it, you can never look at a living thing the same way again. With memes you see natural selection operating on so many things. Thanks for all your writing. I am looking forward to your future work. In the mean time, I am going to hunt around for my old copy.



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  • 80
    Mike Whitenton says:

    I am relieved you are getting better. Thank you for the update on your condition and what had occurred.
    The world has lost several famous celebrities recently. The loss of anyone is tragic but hearing of your illness felt different. It was like hearing a friend was injured and feeling helpless to do anything.

    It seems quite likely your work has inspired some number of individuals in the medical field. Your survival and recovery, a fitting recompense, I think.



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  • 82
    Joe Wolsing says:

    Dear Prof. Dawkins
    We once met in Zürich and I was quiet imptessed by your part of the talk you had there on stage. As well I was very moved to hear of your actusl condition. I hope you get well soon. And although I would like to see you at a live event as countless people all around the world, I think that you should concentrate on your health and use more the oportunities of modern media, and cancel some of your official events (I can imagine, that you are not happy about this if you feel better!).
    There are millions of people admiring your work as much as I do and who are inspired by your thoughts. We all want you to continue your work for it means a lot to us.

    All the best wishes from south Germany

    Yours

    Joseph Wolsing



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  • 84
    Piotr says:

    You are one of the most important people in my life, who have a great influence on my rational, scientific, evidence based world-view. I respect you very much beacuse you courageously speak the truth regardless of the consequences, the world lacks such people such like you: wise, brave, rational, independent, ready to fight for their ideals, moral role model. I am from Poland, in this country thousends or more atheists respect you very much and are grateful for your books which have changed their way of thinking. We need you very much – please take care of your health as best as possible. A very important thing in such diseases is proper diet. I have no idea what your diet, but please consider dr Ornish diet (you can read also books authors such as T. Colin Campbell, Joel Fuhrman) which is based on scientfic evidence: a whole-food, plant-based diet is centered on whole, unrefined, or minimally refined plants. It’s a diet based on fruits, vegetables, tubers, whole grains, and legumes; and it excludes or minimizes meat (including chicken and fish), dairy products, and eggs, as well as highly refined foods like bleached flour, refined sugar, and oil http://ornishspectrum.com/ This diet helped my dad when doctors gave him a year of life – and that was 15 years ago. With all my heart I wish you recovery



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  • 85
    Lightningslim says:

    Do get well soon Richard, I feel I can call you that because you have been part of my life for decades and I know that you have enriched the lives of many. So You may not know me, but I (And I’m sure many many others) consider you a friend of the family. 🙂



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  • 86
    Theo WolF says:

    I was heartened to hear that Dawkins is recovering from what sounds to be a mild stroke. To a far lesser extent, I was also very glad to hear that he had been re-invited to the conference.

    Even in America, occasionally, common sense will prevail.



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  • 89
    Jens B says:

    Dear Prof. Dawkins, I hope for a full recovery as soon as possible. As I learned so much from you and regard you as the perhaps most important person and certainly most courageous person in nowadays enlightenment, my thankfulness and hopes are with you.

    All the best
    Jens/Germany



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  • 91
    Mario Rugeles says:

    Please Mr Dawkins, your health first. If Dr says avoid stress, just find a way to keep going more easily. I found very encouraging your thought procces listening this audio. I wish you soon recovery.



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  • 92
    phil rimmer says:

    Richard,

    I am delighted to hear you on the mend, also that the stroke was where it was, away from the executive wiring and finally that you started that bad day of yours with the nice piece of news of your re-invitation. Reason prevailed.

    Reason continues to prevail here and thanks from me and I suspect most if not all of us for the recent improvements in train. They greatly encourage debate and intellectual investment in the site. Also a future secured with the CFI tie up is an excellent move.

    If evolutionary psychologist Nicholas Humphrey’s “Health Management System” theory of placebo is correct (we don’t have our energy expensive auto-immune system turned to max unless we receive nurturing and loving signs that we will be cared for and fed), then let me make sure yours is turned fully up to eleven. You are loved like crazy, like the enabler of humdrum lives transformed into rich lives would be loved. (Somewhere in 1976 was my transformation day.)

    Be well.

    The NHS is one of the jewels in the crown of civilisation.



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  • 96
    lauracars says:

    All the best to you for a speedy recovery. I very much admire what you do and who you are. You shouldn’t worry, as your supporters both vocal and silent, very much outweigh your detractors.



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  • 102
    David Howland says:

    I had a stroke when I was very young and I cried when I listened to this. This is so true to every victim of strokes. We lose so much. Mobility, thought… it all gets taken and it never all comes back. I hope you get well.



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  • 103
    George.Ananiadis says:

    My beloved teacher
    I owe all my knowledge to you. I Love you and i wish you a full recovery.
    I m George Ananiadis from Greece
    Certificaped Nuclear Medicine Technologist



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  • 104
    Shaffy Hansildaar says:

    Get well soon! Receiving hatemail is an indication that you have alot of positive influence that leads to more debates about religion. Thanks to your effort and scientific research, a debate about any existing religion is possible nowadays. “The God Delusion” is one of the books that is very influential, because it has made people more critical towards relgion. Your work is very important for atheism and humanism. I hope for a future with humanism as a leading ideology.



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  • 106
    George.Ananiadis says:

    My beloved teacher
    I owe all my knowledge to you. I Love you and i wish you a full recovery.
    I’m George Ananiadis from Greece – Thessaloniki
    Certificaped Nuclear Medicine Technologist



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  • 107
    Alex Kaye says:

    Dear Richard,

    I’ve only recently begun reading your work, but it’s plain to see why you are so well respected among those who value reason and evidence as the basis for knowledge. In the interest of better general health and longevity, I would highly recommend taking a look at High Intensity Training. The book Body By Science is an excellent all-round introduction, and includes a rather extensive list of references to scientific literature supporting its position. It’s a research based exercise program with a great many health benefits, including the reduction of abnormally high blood pressure. The literature it cites also indicates that it’s safe to perform when suffering from high blood pressure. I’ve included some references below. The program also favours simple to perform compound exercises, so should you continue to have coordination troubles (Baal forbid), these may not preclude you from this form of exercise.

    My parents tell me that I not only struggled with buttons and laces as a child, but I also expected that my socks and shoes would simply jump on my feet if I sat there staring at them. I hope that little anecdote brings a smile should frustration get the better of you.

    Best wishes for your continuing recovery,

    Alex.

    Strength training normalizes resting blood pressure in 65- to
    73-year-old men and women with high normal blood pressure.
    Progressive resistance exercise and resting blood pressure : A
    meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
    Physiological response to circuit weight training in borderline
    hypertensive subjects.
    Blood pressure in resistance-trained athletes.
    Strength training in a cardiac rehabilitation program: a six-month
    follow-up.
    The effects of a single bout of strength training on ambulatory blood
    pressure levels in 24 mildly hypertensive men.
    Effect of high intensity exercise training on central hemodynamic
    responses to exercise in men with reduced left ventricular function.



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  • 109
    Alan says:

    Take it easy and get well sooooon! Remember you have thousands of friends and followers around the world thinking of you and wishing you a speedy recovery.



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  • 111
    J.j. Fussell says:

    My very best wishes to you Richard. I am so sorry for you medical difficulty. You are much loved and appreciated. I am hoping that you will feel much better soon and recover completely and go on to do what you have been doing. You are the voice of sanity in an insane world. We need you desperately. You have an amazing mind, and you have made the world a tolerable and magical place for those of us who have a reasoning mind. Thank you so much for all you do.



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  • 112
    evolvingalways says:

    I have seen you speak live many times here in the US and enjoyed every minute of your talk. Get well soon so you can come and give a lecture which is always needed in the US. Thanks for all you do and take care! ?



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  • 116
    Ash Szafraniec says:

    I sincerely wish you a full and speedy recovery Richard! You were a big part of the process of my mother, my sister, and I becoming engaged with the atheism movement. I also greatly enjoy your scientific works and you were part of my inspiration to go to college to study biology.

    It was awesome to see you at a conference during the original Reason Rally. I was excited that you signed my book, but I was much happier about the fact that I was able to give you a note thanking you for all you do to promote science and to stand up not just for atheists, but for the rights of women, children, LGBT people, etc.

    I am a young woman, and I have heard various accusations against you, but I really don’t understand how anyone can believe that you are in any way sexist or misogynist. I think it is ridiculous that you were uninvited to that conference and it hurts me to hear about how much it distressed you.

    You have done so much to advance the cause of reason in this world and I don’t think you receive nearly enough thanks for it. I hope that you continue to feel better and that you can take at least a short break!



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  • 117
    Olgun says:

    Get well very soon Richard and have some well earned rest. In my expirenice, most organisations seem to be pulled towards centre left at some point in time and in order to get maximum membership and support from other similar organisations, tend to steer clear of controversy. It seems to have happened to the organisation that disinvited you. The fact that it did not take long for them to realise it and invite you again says a lot for the practical thinking they undertook. I am so sorry that it caused you such stress until then.



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  • 119
    Emil Salageanu says:

    Dear Richard,

    Not only have I understood, from you, to think straight about religion, but I think it is from you that I just learned how to think.
    Get well soon, best whishes and a lot of love.

    Emil



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  • 122
    Don McGregor says:

    Richard,

    Get well soon! You are an icon in many people’s worlds mine included. We love your passion for truth, science, and life. You are an inspiration to humanity. Thank you for being you!

    In Full Support,
    Don McGregor



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  • 123
    dustydf says:

    Hi Richard!

    You have been the biggest inspiration to me in my life!
    You are the reason why I’m a skeptic and look for evidence for the truth rather than hold onto faith

    I see you as my family and the biggest role model in my life

    please get well soon so you can keep doing what you are doing!

    My gran was a bit of an agnostic atheist but she always use to tell me this pray
    that I took as more poetry than religiously.
    Even though I was a Christian but now an Athiest. It
    always helped me to sleep better at night and it goes like this:

    “Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,
    Look upon this little child;
    Pity my simplicity,
    Suffer me to come to Thee.”

    thanks Richard
    Please get well soon



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  • 124
    Marzena says:

    Dear Professor, please get well because we all need you.
    Thank you for everything what you’ve already did for us,
    human kind, but please continue because world is in bad condition now.
    I always think of you Sir when it comes to fight the darkness 🙂
    Best wishes and whole lot of love from me, polish atheist now in oppressed minority.
    Your admirer for twenty fife years,
    Marzena Poklikayev



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  • 125
    Paulina Greenlee says:

    Please feel better I need to meet you someday I have so many questions! We can’t survived in this crazy world with out you. Do not stress over this craziness just put your head up and know that you are changing minds and futures of lots of us! You are an amazing person. Love from my family 🙂 btw my daughter wants to be a scientist she is just 6 she doesn’t even know what God “is”. Some day we will have this conversations… When she accidently saw some Christian movie she comented that they need Ghostbusters in it. I hope that this will make you smile. 🙂



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  • 128
    Boyne Sharky says:

    Richard,
    Sorry to hear you’ve had the damn stroke in the first place but best wishes on a timely recovery. I know from experience you’ll have heard the ‘no athiests in foxholes’ adage and have been expected to make a pious ‘deathbed’ conversion. Try to keep a civil tongue in your head and be a model patient… or not. Best wishes.



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  • 129
    Steven007 says:

    I trust you will eventually read this Richard and so I can only echo the crowd here in wishing you a speedy recovery. I think I can speak for all when I say we truly appreciate you taking the time to deliver a personal message.



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  • 131
    graceboas says:

    You are more needed and more INDISPENSIBLE on this planet than any gods have ever been.. you will recover by the power of your mind alone, like Stephen Hawking and how I beat my own illness, it really is a force!
    I am not worried, you will be fine… best wishes and deepest affection. Grace (my husband calls me Dawkins-Pinker-Krauss Groupie!) lol



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  • 132
    Dr. Faraz Mujtaba says:

    Dear Richard. You are a legacy which will thrive and shine forever. I am not worried about this world, but the thought that takes away my sleep at night is, what use this world will be of, without you. I am not living in Darwin, or Galileo or Einstein’s time. I am living in RICHARD DAWKINS time. And this is everything for me. Stay healthy, stay happy and all my best wishes to see you in more action than ever before.



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  • 136
    Zoe says:

    Wishing you a speedy recovery. Whenever I think of you, my mind goes back to that wonderful series of public lectures you did for the RI, Growing Up in the Universe, I think it was called. In particular, the one about the way eyes evolved. That has proven very useful whenever people say to me — as they do, occasionally — that they cannot believe that natural selection can account for the human eye, and therefore it must have been intelligently designed. I’ve been able to refer them to it. But they don’t like it. 😉 They prefer their own explanation. But never mind, they might get it, one day. I really do think that people have over reacted, recently, disinviting you and running to YouTube boo-hooing about the video you retweeted. That’s just the Internet. It’s a bit like complaining about the weather. I personally think that you are a National Treasure, and I’m sure a lot of other people do to. I used to be religious, but your books and YouTube appearances have taught me a grander view of life, like the last paragraph in The Origin of Species, and I would like to thank you for that.



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  • 137
    Saif Hadi says:

    Dear sir
    Please get better soon
    I’m an ex-muslim from Iraq and I recently heard about you and I saw most of your lectures .
    It’s wonderful to have you in our life as this one of things that give us the meaning of life.
    Best wishes prof.



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  • 138
    Michael says:

    Hi Rochard! Glad you’re home and recuperating. Don’t worry about the buttons and shoelaces – you’ll just have to dress like an American for awhile – slip-on Vans and pullover sweaters (“jumpers” I guess you’d say). Ask Lawrence Krauss for style tips!

    Your comment about stress and the stroke occurring after good news reminded me of a neurologist explaining why people with seizures shouldn’t get drunk – the alcohol protects them from seizures while they are drunk but as they sober up the brain is more susceptible to seizures. Of course it’s not the same as your stroke but it’s also counterintuitive.

    Anyway I hope you get all your good wishes from all of us who value you so much. Take good care, and I look forward to hearing about your swift recovery!



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  • 139
    NearlyNakedApe says:

    Richard,

    Or Prof. Dawkins… not exactly sure how you want to be adressed. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of helplessness we experience when our body somehow ceases to function the way we casually take for granted it should. I can certainly relate to that and it’s one of those experiences we never forget.

    When I first heard the news, like most people here, I was worried. So I’m happy to hear that you are getting better and that you are surrounded by people who are taking good care of you. Get well soon and take a break from the Twitter circus OK? There’s only so much trolling a person can take…



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  • 140
    David says:

    Best wishes, hopes, prayers and all the words and thoughts in the world will, of course, not help you in the slightest to get any better.

    But maybe if you read these messages, it will cheer you up a bit to know that so many people are thinking of you now and again, and looking forward to your rapid recover and resumption of your excellent work!



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  • 142
    Ben Huxley says:

    Don’t be hurt when feminists/liberals/humanists speak against you – a certain part of the left is utterly bonkers. Hitch got his fair share of hate from them too. I wish you a speedy recovery.



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  • 143
    elisa86 says:

    Hi Richard! I’m pleased to hear that you are improving. Reading the God Delusion and Unweaving The rainbow was incredibly helpful to me during a dark period of my life.. It made realise how you can be an atheist and an optimist and how truly unique each of us is. I hope all the messages you are receiving will help you overcome this difficult moment. I wish you a speedy recovery! Hope to hear from you soon!



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  • 147
    katherine says:

    Dr. Dawkins,

    Though we have never met, hearing your voice in pain causes me immense grief.

    I am disappointed that your fellow scientists would have the gall to disinvite you. Your proclivity for sparking controversy may at times feel isolating, especially when the peers you respect and admire let it to cloud their judgement, but it is this quality that has made you an exceptionally important figure in the modern secular movement.

    When I first encountered your works, I was a 15-year-old girl reared in Southern Baptist faith. You didn’t intrigue me because I cared about the science of evolution, nor because I questioned my religion, but because your statements repulsed me. All that you said was so deeply offensive to my core values that I had to investigate further to understand just how wrong you were. Had you been less offensive, more inclined to equivocate, I probably wouldn’t have given your arguments much thought at all.

    Then, after months of digesting your many lectures, books and BBC specials, I realized that I could not contest your logic with centuries old fiction. My beliefs were irrational, and however much it hurt to realize this, I was liberated in the process. I swapped Bible study for texts about philosophy and science. I stopped feeling guilty for the sin of being a human. I no longer wanted to be a missionary or a Sunday school teacher, but instead a writer, a feminist or a politician. I learned that I was much happier to embark on a life of helping society make improvements than a life spent fantasizing about what lurks beyond death.

    Your perseverance in spreading reason may cause others to disrespect you, but to me, and millions of others, your works have been the gateway to a healthier, happier life. Four years after discovering you, I am now 19 years old and attending one of the top colleges in the country. I cannot know for sure, but deep down I suspect that had your influence on me not been so profound, I could’ve easily taken a backseat to life and settled for being the vapid wife of a pastor.

    I know this is tediously long, but having sat on this gratitude for many years now, I feel compelled to voice my appreciation for the impact you’ve had on me, and indeed, the whole world.

    Wishing for your speedy recovery,
    Z



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  • 150
    Alan4discussion says:

    Take care and pace yourself patiently! – Even if this is frustrating!
    I was, until recently, finding some things like buttons frustrating, as I have had some hand and wrist injuries in the last year or so, and was trying not to aggravate them.

    I am currently using the mouse in my left hand, but imagination finds a way in those with determination and patience.

    Best wishes for recovery soon.



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  • 151
    John Krix says:

    Richard my best wishes for a speedy recovery…having had a stroke similar to yours 6 years ago and being a violinist accustomed to skill in my right arm I have never fully regained the use but most people wouldn’t know. I I still play thankfully. Keep the courage and don’t let this get you down.



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  • 153
    Dan says:

    Dear Richard,

    That was a very touching message. As I listened to it I thought about those people who disinvited you. Well, I am glad they came to their senses, but I hope they are feeling bad now. (They deserve to feel guilty.) Perhaps that incident did play a role.

    I would encourage you not to avoid controversy; that avoidance may cause even more stress! Don’t get too obsessed with your BP; I know a guy who checks it multiple times a day. (That’s a personal decision.)

    Sometimes a situation like this can be a good thing. It will motivate you to do things to avoid undue stress and to lead an even healthier life-style than you had been leading.

    My late father had a stroke in the 70’s and lived a very long life and was writing and had all his faculties in his late eighties. He never had another stroke. He died of cancer in 2014.

    You are a beautiful person. You are a great hero of mine, an important figure in my life. You will have a full recovery. You know how I know? I am psychic! (Just kidding, but I do think you’ll be fine. That’s my strong hunch.)

    Warm Regards,

    Dan Rosengarten



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  • 156
    Sander Pool says:

    Dear Richard, please get better soon. Do not worry about cancelling speaking engagements. Spend the necessary time to heal and recover. You are loved and admired by many and respected by even more.

    Best wishes,

    Sander



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  • 158
    HardNosedSkeptic says:

    Hello Richard.

    I am signing in to my RDF account and making a post for the first time in years to send you my good wishes.

    I was very concerned to hear about what happened to you, and I’m very pleased that you’re back home already and are expected to get better soon.

    I hope you make a full recovery very soon. But please don’t go back to work before your doctors say you’re ready. We want to see you fighting the good fight for many years yet to come.



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  • 161
    aleopold says:

    I’ve never felt such disquiet for an individual I have no direct personal connection to. My heart simply dropped when I heard the news, and when few details were known. Richard, I’m so glad that you were able to quickly alert Lalla, and for the subsequent line of competent individuals who acted on your behalf. It’s a relief to listen to this update, woven with science and prose in your gentle voice. Wonderful of you to think of those concerned about your condition. Continue on, professor. Sending love and hugs your way. TLO



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  • 162
    David1 says:

    Best wishes from all the Greater Manchester Humanists who were delighted to be in attendance when you visited The Lowry in Salford last year – not once, but twice in the space of a month.
    We have a great picture of you standing next to our new roller banner with your goodself on it alongside Alice Roberts and Stephen Fry.
    Get well soon.



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  • 163
    Atheos Nous says:

    Dear Professor Dawkins,

    Best wishes, ample rest and recovery to you. You are an inspiration to millions of reasonable people, but don’t pressure yourself with superhuman expectations. While it’s quite understandable, please don’t let irrational people and their reactionary nonsense get to you. You are firmly stationed on the side of reason and science. Sticks and stones… 🙂



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  • 166
    Brian Gortner says:

    My heart sank when I heard the news of your illness. Much like it did when I heard the news of Christopher Hitchens illness and passing. You have had a huge impact on my life. You have taught me science and the value of critical thinking. Because of you I have become passionate about learning how the world works and passing it on to my four year old daughter. My life is filled with more meaning, understanding, purpose and wonder thanks to your tireless work. Get well soon my friend, we need you.



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  • 168
    Mahesh Maan says:

    Dr. Dawkins, I was greatly saddened to know that you had a stroke. You and your writings are an inspiration to me. I hope you get well soon, and stay well for many more years to come! It’s a good feeling to realize that I am living in the same era as the great Richard Dawkins!



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  • 171
    Rev. El Mundo says:

    Wow! I’m so sorry to hear that you are feeling ill. I wish you the most speedy recovery.

    Hang in their, my friend. I too had a stroke and know well what you’re experiencing. By the sound of your voice and the strength of your intellect, I am 99.99% sure that you will make an excellent recovery. It gets better. Just keep at the physio therapy.

    Best of luck for an unexpectedly rapid recovery.



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  • 173
    Daron says:

    Just a quick get well soon Richard as I would think your getting a lot of messages so rest up get your strength up down let the little bleed stop the great work you do



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  • 178
    Bekki Robinson says:

    It sounds like a very scary ordeal and I am sorry you had to suffer it. Thank you for all that you do in your quest for the truth and the sacrifices you have made to spend much of your life around controversy trying to bring out the truth. Take the time you need to away from controversy, but know that you will be welcomed with open arms if you decide to return to it.



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  • 179
    Sohail says:

    Please get well soon Richard, Your books opened my eyes and changed my life. Thank you for the knowledge you imparted and for giving me the confidence to leave superstition and myth behind. I owe you a debt that I can never repay. I wish you a speedy recovery.



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  • 183
    Maxine Saylor says:

    Richard, your fellow humans admire and love you! I’m really sorry that you are going through this. Thank you for being such an intelligent and sharp minded individual, even when you are suffering. I respect you immensely and I hope that you have a fast recovery.



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  • 188
    Patty says:

    Dear Prof. Dawkins – I’m hoping for a speedy and complete recovery for you. Thank you for all that you have done for the world and for me. There are so many of us, like myself, who were given the courage to speak out about our beliefs, because of you.
    Your friend, Patricia Russell – U.S.



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  • 190
    Charles says:

    I can well imaging being distressed to find yourself embattled where you allies should reside. I think of the pride in having yourself, and Sam, and Hitchens, and so many others who spoke with such clarity and grace regarding the recognition of the value in atheism and reason, science and secularism, and it just makes me ill to see the hash that trivialists and uni-dimensional thinkers have made of such gains. Embattled though you may be, there are still many out here who’s respect and gratitude outweigh all such attacks. The truth is, that we need you more than ever, in staving off the backlash of idiocy. We need you more, because your response to the conference was the epitome of dignity and grace, and of reason in the face of aimless stupidity. It was an inspiration and a guide for the conduct of combat against such burgeoning absurdity.

    I trust that you will take care of yourself. Please know that my thoughts and best wishes are there with you. I am sure, right along with so many others, of whom you never hear, but who think of you fondly and well. Please do feel better soon.

    Coffey3C



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  • 191
    Kristine says:

    I was so glad to see and speak to you again in Rochester, Minnesota last year! Richard, I want you to know that in the time since then I have had two short stories published, both of which mention evolution vs. creation, and one which parodies the Creation Museum. I was inspired by what the Foundation has done so far and decided to bring science to life through fiction as well as my activism for sound science education. Please take care of yourself – you have given your all to improve our world, and need to focus on yourself right now.



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  • 192
    Lenny Aronsten says:

    Hi Richard… sounds like you are on the healing path there which is reassuring news for all of us…

    It was great meeting you at Starmus last year… I was talking to Harry after that bizarre rant from Charlie Duke on the ‘Christian interpretation of astrology’, when you came over to express what I can safely assume was a common reaction among the delegates there…

    As a physiotherapist I can empathise with your current predicament, but also am aware of the amazing ability of human brain plasticity and healing potential. I love your description of the human hand, as what I’ve long regarded an evolutionary marvel… it is a most amazing tool!

    Thank you for all your inspiration,

    Best regards,
    Lenny Aronsten



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  • 193
    Asteroid1Miner says:

    I thought I had a stroke once, and I drove myself to the hospital. Then I just left and drove myself home when the doctors there didn’t seem to know what they were doing. My own doctor said I had Bell’s palsy. It went away by itself.

    Get well soon.



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  • 194
    Keith says:

    You have been like an old friend to me, even though we’ve never met. Your writing is masterful and your speaking is sharp, engaging, and eloquent all at the same time. I was so grateful to see you in person in Minnesota last summer, and hope the opportunity presents itself again. Your work has undoubtedly inspired millions of people all over the world…and we are all better off because of you. Get well soon.



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  • 195
    Anthony says:

    Get well soon Richard, it’s terrible when something like this happens to someone inspirational. I’d just like to say thank you. You work has most definitely changed the way I look at pretty much everything. My young son also loves your book “The Magic of Reality”.
    I can honestly say you are the greatest teacher I have ever had, along with David Attenborough :-). I look forward to hearing about your full recovery. Thanks again.
    From Sheffield, England.



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  • 199
    JustSandra says:

    Dear Richard! Please get well, we need you in this world full of lies and the business of religion and faith. Believe it or not, here in Peru, you’re a light of reason and have helped me to deal with religious stupidity and bigotry. Please, again, get better because I, personally, need you.



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  • 200
    Aureliano Buendia says:

    As the others, I was shocked with this news. I wish you a fast recovery, my intellectual hero.
    Very sad from hearing that some of ‘your’ people betray you. Remember that your memes will live for many years. You are the most intelligent man nowadays. Thank you for great books, lectures.. everything. Get well.



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  • 202
    Kevin says:

    Dear Dr. Dawkins,

    I am so relived that you are home and doing better. I hope you are not only back to doing up buttons, but also carrying on your (our) cause, which has touched me tremendously for so many years, as soon as possible. Your humanist voice rings loudly, and your messages are true and clear. My warmest wishes for a speedy recovery,

    My most sincere and best regards



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  • 205
    Alan4discussion says:

    I see the god-deluded can’t even send a message of goodwill without bringing in praying as part of the procedure!

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-35571588

    The Church of England has defended a tweet it sent praying for secularist Richard Dawkins after he had a stroke.

    The Church tweeted on Friday “Prayers for Prof Dawkins and his family” after the author fell ill on 6 February.

    It was retweeted more than 1,000 times and led some to question if it was mocking Dawkins’ atheist position.

    But the Church’s communications director defended the comment, saying it was a “genuine tweet offering prayer for a public person who was unwell”.

    ‘Did church troll?’

    The Church’s tweet was met with mixed reaction – some accusing it of “trolling”, or mocking, Dawkins and others seeing it as a genuine attempt to wish one of its detractors well.



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  • 206
    veitstoss says:

    Even if you have to retire from public life on the advice of your doctors, you’ve already given so much to the cause of science and reason – your work will be built upon for generations to come. That said, I hope you recover enough from this to retake your place at the forefront of the movement to promote scientific thinking and dispel superstition. Wishing you a speedy recovery.



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  • 207
    Mariusz Kuriata says:

    Dear Professor,

    I hope you read this message. I owe you a lot. Thanks to you and Christopher Hitchens I was able to “wake up” and stop being superstitious.

    I am sure you WILL recover. My mum has had two strokes so I know how it is…

    Just wanna say THANK YOU.

    Mariusz



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  • 208
    Bob Carroll says:

    Wishing you a full and speedy recovery. May your voice continue to be heard above the din of the irrational, mindless calls to violence in the name of some god. We’ll never forget your eloquent description of your stroke and the connection you made to the evolutionary processes at work that led to the powers of the human brain to control the hand.



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  • 209
    Tim says:

    Gee Richard. I’m shocked….we’ve been without the internet and just heard this. Stay strong and please get well quickly my friend.

    Tim & Angelina.



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  • 210
    Nando Breiter says:

    Dear Richard,

    Very concerned to hear you had a stroke and wanted to send you my very best wishes. Your contribution to the cause of promoting science and reason has been very significant in this world, surely influencing hundreds of thousands of people. You have helped to create a wave of silent and deep appreciation for the natural world we live in, an immense wave.



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  • 211
    Stew Graham says:

    Dear Richard,

    You have been a source of inspiration to me for more years than I care to count and so it was with a heavy heart I heard of your recent stroke.

    It fills me with joy to hear you sounding well and able to communicate a message to all of us to whom you mean so much.

    Take some time to get better so you may continue to inform and inspire for many years to come. If laces become a problem don’t get frustrated, just get some slip-ons and please try to relax.

    Your friend,

    Stewart



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  • 213
    Cristiano Gualco says:

    Dear Professor, I have been following you for a while and I wish you all the best, knowing that you had a stroke very recently.
    You’ll probably have to spend some time at home, and since I heard you mentioning the Schubert’s quintet in your speeches, well I thought I’d dedicate to your recovery this video, that shows myself and my quartet playing 3 Beethoven quartets, last of which, the op.135, opens with the question and answer “Must it be? It must be!”. I think you share with me the thought that classical music is not to relax, particularly Beethoven’s quartets: it’s music that makes you think, but I do think that this kind of thinking can help healing.
    Last week, while I was playing in the Wigmore Hall in London, I wondered if you ever attend those concerts. Maybe I’ll find you in Oxford if we come and play there.
    Again, all the best for a quick recovery!
    Cristiano
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMXjnxLhEhY



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  • 214
    David R Allen says:

    Sadly this means that Richard has had to cancel a visit to my home city for Book Week and thus my chance to shake his hand, thank him for trying and get my entire library of Dawkins books signed.

    I bet the fundies are going nuts saying it’s gods warning to convert NOW.



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  • 216
    Don R says:

    Mr. Dawkins,
    It is indeed regrettable that you “have become used” receiving hate filled messages from those who are religious.
    I would encourage you that many Christians, I know, are praying for you. (In humanistic terms: are thinking of you and hoping for your recovery.)
    So, though we may disagree about some aspects of the life we live, I for one wish you a long life.
    Sincerely,



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  • 218
    Sally Luxmoore says:

    Sending you my very best wishes, Richard.
    I know about strokes as I look after my 80 year- old mother who had quite a bad one 2 and a half years ago.
    One thing they didn’t tell us about was ‘stroke fatigue’. Don’t be alarmed if you are feeling utterly exhausted and lacking in energy. It is all part of it and gets better slowly.
    Time to rest on your laurels a bit and forget the wider world, other than to know that many many people are wishing you well.



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  • 220
    Dr Ganesh Shetty says:

    Dear Professor Dawkins,
    Please don’t ever leave us. I can’t imagine living in a world without your presence. I am a doctor and I know what a minor stroke is and in a way I am relieved. You were that single most important person, that changed my life. As a confused young man, questioning the world around me, your book, The god delusion, changed the way way I looked at the world and as I like to say, I was reborn, I felt a sense of lightness and all the doubts I had carried as a burden for so long, just dissipated away. THANK YOU. I hope you understand the immense importance you hold in many of our lives and the respect and gratitude we have for you. I, like thousands, perhaps millions in the world cannot thank you enough for what you’ve done for us and to make the world a better place. We are grateful and you will be remembered in history alongside people like Voltaire and Darwin. I am privileged to be living in the same era as the one you live in. I hope I get to see you someday and get an opportunity to speak to you as well.
    Yours sincerely,



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  • 221
    Adam Keresztes says:

    I’m so happy to hear that you feel better dear Richard. We need people like you in this world. Best wishes from the Netherlands. you might not know it but you have many friends around the world. We all wish you the best! And congrats on being reinvited 🙂



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  • 222
    HenMie says:

    Dear Richard,
    Thank you for taking time to write a message to us, your troops. So glad to hear that your mind, your strongest weapon, is as sharp as ever. With Physio and OT, the rest of you will soon be as good as new, so please persevere, don’t slacken; by all means – rest, but always go back to therapy which is vital in your recovery. Later, if you still need help with shirt buttons, I hope you know that we would all be only too happy to line up and take turns to do them up for you! We owe you much, much more than that! Wishing you a full recovery and a speedy return to fight the good fight for many productive years to come!



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  • 224
    Matthew Shubat says:

    Hello Professor Dawkins,

    You have had a huge impact on me since I was in high school and I am truly grateful. You have an ability to convey science and logical thought in a way that is both captivating in its beauty and astonishing in its clarity. You encouraged me to no longer fear questioning the nature of reality, but instead embrace its magnificence and the beauty of the truth.

    There is no doubt you have greatly influenced my passion and curiosity for the world and universe, and ultimately were a factor in leading me into the fields of science and engineering in my education. And as you can likely tell, I am not the only one you have influenced in this way.

    Throughout history only a few people have had as monumental an impact as you. You are a global voice of reason and a world class teacher.

    I wish you nothing but the best, and hope you have a speedy and thorough recovery. I will continue to follow your progress with anticipation and hope.

    Thank you for everything. And thank you for being a wonderful teacher.

    Sincerely,

    Matthew
    Ontario, Canada.



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  • 226
    Carol Cafarella says:

    Just heard about what happened to you and I was very sad to hear about it, knowing that you were the one who made me fall in love with biology, but now I’m happy to know that you’re doing better. I wish you a quick recovery and all the best!



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  • 227
    InYourFaceNewYorker says:

    Richard,

    This recording is very touching. You are a very strong, optimistic person, and I am certain that this attitude will be helpful for you in your recovery. Surround yourself with the people who love you and care about you, and don’t bother with trolls on the regressive left. I’m rooting for you.



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  • 228
    Luke Hooper says:

    Dear Prof,

    Thank you for showing my family and I the magic of reality. This is one of those times where thoughts and prayers would be useful as hell if they actually worked. Instead I will send you this message filled with impotent well wishes.

    Know this though; because of you, my children can distinguish fact from fiction and are free from the bonds of religion. I owe this gift to you…

    Get well old mate!



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  • 230
    Cairsley says:

    Many thanks, Prof. Dawkins, for taking the trouble to record this message about your recovery. News of your stroke was worrying, and it is good to know that a full recovery is expected for you. Even if you have to scale down your involvement in public events, your influence will continue to be far-reaching because of all the modern means of communication. You can, as others have said in similar or different words, (and no doubt you will) pace yourself. Ad multos annos, bone Doctor clarissime!



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  • 231
    Spencer Hunt says:

    Love you Richard, you’ve been a huge influence in my life and have helped me realize the truth of our existence. I hate that this stroke happened to you, and I wish you the fastest recovery possible. You’ve done so much to make the world a better place whilst facing aggressive backlash at every turn. A true inspiration for me and millions across the globe. You’re a true hero, never met you; but I can say with confidence I love you for what you’ve done. Don’t keep up with the discussions if there’s any health risks associated, time for you to enjoy you.



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  • 233
    Nick79 says:

    Dear Professor Dawkins,
    I am very saddened to hear of your condition. Having followed your work for many years, you are someone I admire tremendously and I was very much looking forward to hearing you speak again in a few weeks. The world needs you to be fit and healthy so you can continue with the courageous work that you do in promoting science and rational thought throughout the world.
    In the interests of sending something potentially more useful than mere well wishes, and with the greatest respect, I hope at this time you consider investigating the work that Drs. Caldwell Esselstyn, T Colin Campbell, Dean Ornish and Joel Fuhrman have done with relation to reversing diseases of this nature through diet & lifestyle changes. Specifically, there is much scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of a whole food, plant-based diet in not only promoting health and longevity, but also reversing conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension & stroke.
    I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery Prof. Dawkins.
    Nick from Australia



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  • 235
    Jeff says:

    It is a testament to Professor Dawkins that, upon his public address of his current condition, and even in his condition, that he used this opportunity to continue his legacy towards the public understanding of science. He is a truly worthy to have held the chair of the Simonyi professor for the public understanding of science. This, among many other reasons, is why I considered him a hero of mine.

    Thank you for everything you have done and will do.
    Sincerely,
    Jeff Robinson
    Canada



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  • 236
    Beth healy (Souly) says:

    Wishing you a speedy recovery Mr Dawkins and dont worry about coping with buttons and the likes ,no doubt the stronger you will get over the next couple of weeks the easier it will become. Just do your best to rest up for now in order to gain your strength . Sending you good wishes from myself and family xxx



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  • 239
    Arad Haselirad says:

    I wish you the best of lucks for the healing process. Without any doubt, the world of science and those who value it owe you a lot. I hope that you will recover as soon as possible and continue your great endeavors.



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  • 240
    Simone Blomberg says:

    Dear Richard, I’m writing to wish you the most speedy recovery from a fellow evolutionary biologist. A long time ago as an undergraduate I took Mike Cullen’s Behavioural Ecology course at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. It was one of my favorite courses, although I am a herpetologist at heart, and was a bit disappointed that the course required so much birdwatching. After the year was over, and before my 4th “honours” year, I decided to read as many evolution “classics” as I could, starting with the Origin of course, but also reading Mayr, Hennig, and a few others. After I read your “Selfish Gene”, I was gobsmacked. Your book made so much sense and I quickly adopted the “gene’s eye view”, especially for understanding behaviour. Just after finishing your book, I bumped into Mike Cullen in the corridor at Monash. I told him I’d just read this wonderful book by Richard Dawkins and I said that Mike should have made it compulsory reading before taking his course. I can’t remember what Mike said, but I think he may have just smiled. I had no idea until many years later that he was your tutor at Oxford. I was profoundly moved by your eulogy for Mike. My work nowadays is mainly theoretical (no more lizards for me, unofortunately), using statistical methods to study the macroevolution of traits on phylogenies. But I am still very much indebted to you for my understanding of evolution and selection. Best wishes, and great respect.



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  • 241
    billh says:

    Best wishes Professor Dawkins. In my opinion, chapter 2 (The replicators) of your book The Selfish Gene is one of the most significant pieces of science writing ever written. It changed my life. Prior to reading that over 30 years ago I had completed a degree in geology which of course included topics in things like biology, palentology and evolution, yet those studies left many unanswered questions about how it all hung together. But after reading your work it was like a bomb went off. The principle of replicator first, as explained in chapter 2, still in my opinion provides the only convincing explanation for how life got going in the first place. And the idea that those replicators are still around in living things as DNA in their and our bodies, which are just incidental survival machines built by that DNA, is one of the most profound of all concepts. Thankyou for all your profound work – of which the aforementioned chapter 2 is just a small part – and as somebody said earlier, please don’t return to the universe just yet. We love you.
    Bill from Australia



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  • 242
    Jarred Booth says:

    Sorry to hear about your condition, but glad you are improving. I said a prayer and sacrificed a goat in your behalf 😉 Even now you take the opportunity to talk about science and evolution. You really are one in a million. Darwin would be proud.



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  • 245
    kenny_ says:

    Glad to hear you are doing better.
    Just want to tell you : you don’t have to be the one taking up the fight against the regressives.

    Your health is more important. Enjoy your life, and let others fight your battles.



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  • 246
    Yo says:

    Sending you Love, Richard. Be at Peace and Heal quickly as you can. Vitamin C has been shown to strengthen the walls of blood vessels. It helps your body to
    make interferon which acts to hold the cells together in blood vessel walls. In case you are interested in nutrients as part of your healing process.
    Also useful to counter tension with a practice of relaxation: deep slow yogic breathing and meditation. Thinking of you and sending Loving Energy. Thank you for all you have done so far to enlighten the world.



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  • 247
    Becky says:

    I had the pleasure of listening to you speak here in Austin, TX many years ago, and finally getting an autograph was quite a thrill. I hope you have a speedy recovery.



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  • 248
    Amanda Seixas says:

    Dear Professor Dawkins, I hope my poor english doesn’t ruin my message.

    As the majority of your fans an readers I’m an atheist and of course I’m not praying and I have to say that is some source of relieve to know that you aren’t neither. The stroke didn’t take you away. And only you can describe this awful incident relating your state with the natural selection pressures over our species without been boring and without drama.
    Telling us about your state was really kind. I’m glad to see other people like me: people you probably never will know in person, but love you and admire your work by distance.
    I wish you a quick recovery and I’m sending a virtual hug from Brazil.



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  • 249
    neurol says:

    Richard, please know that we all love and admire what you have done over the years (ALL the memes) As a neurologist I would say 4 things: 1) Main cause of basal ganglia bleed is hypertension (rule out bleeding disorder or blood vessel weakness); 2) I know you will be treated with evidence-based medicine; 3) take a long-deserved rest and get that hypertension well-controlled and work with PT/OT on getting the left hand/leg strength and coordination back (fortunately it is the non-dominant side); 4) work on emotional aspects: it is quite normal even with minor brain injuries to have some depression. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU BACK ON THE SPEAKING CIRCUIT AGAIN AND FULLY RECOVERED FOR THE 2016 REASON RALLY – Cliff Andrew



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  • 252
    Jack Brady says:

    Remember Richard, the regressive left hates you. Because you are white, and male and probably straight. None of this matters to decent human beings but it is everything to these bigots. They review movies in terms of the gender/skin color of the protaganists and antagonists, and nothing else because they are pavlovian simpletons. Black and white fundamentalists of the left. You see all the colors and shades of reality that makes this world a wonder to you. They see a black and white world without even a hint of grey. They hate you Richard, and that is a very good thing. If these POS ever gave a hint of liking you it would mean that you gave in to their politics of destruction and hatred. As one true liberal to another please never give in to their hatred. Please wear it as a badge of honor.
    Now get some rest. You have much much work to do.



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  • 253
    Ma Fre says:

    Hi Richard,

    I know you probably are never going to see this, but I want to tell you (this is only half ironic) that you’re in my prayers, and that I am very inspired by the work you’ve done.

    I respect you as a human being and as a scientist and thinker. It seems to me that you have changed and grown as a person, where a lot of other human beings fail to do so. It is clear to me that you are a genuinely inquisitive and considerate person.

    It is very sad to see what is happening today in the left wing, and with our society overall.

    I know how it feels to be shamed and discarded like a piece of garbage by liberals who you thought cared about you, and to see the way it is impossible to be accepted by our current society when certain lines are not towed. It seems to me that our culture is heading in a direction which has increasingly become more and more inhumane in the way it tolerates more difficult strains of rationality which it deems taboo or heretical.

    It has been this way for a long time. You are brave for standing up for the ideas and concepts which you believe to be factual, and standing by the values of science which are for objective truth. Your honesty and adherence to these practices has inspired many people, which you may not realize. It certainly was inspiring to me to see a scientist and researcher showing the value of objectivity in our dealings.

    Unfortunately, life for people like us can be rather difficult and – at times – life threatening, as seen here. It is a fact that social acceptance and the ability to have a healthy career is central to the human’s well being, and it is clear that the current society and the leftists in control of it, are fully willing to use violent forms of social shaming and ostracization in order to control these parts of life by actively manipulating human psychological needs. This seems to me the most pure definition of FASCISM that can be found – bullying and attempting to harm those who do not go along with your views. We have to admit now that what the SJWs are doing constitutes a form of very real, very active, and very serious violence.

    Hearing your story and seeing what happened to you shows that this is something that others are struggling from, and displays the human side of our current situation. We do not need to agree politically, but it is a right to think and to speak without having our careers, psychological health, social lives, and other basic human needs threatened.

    These may seem like harsh words but I know that this has hurt my life, and the lives of others, and I know that we do not deserve to live in this kind of shame and fear, but deserve to have healthy and lively careers, the right to speak our voices and ideas publicly, and the right to have friends and be treated with dignity like everyone else. We are thinkers. Whatever we must do to dis-empower the power of this current ideology – we must do.

    If that means breaking from their narrative entirely and disregarding its fundamental precepts from the start – so be it.

    Thanks!
    Max

    PS: Sorry for shilling my political beliefs by the way.



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  • 255
    Andreas Kyriacou says:

    Dear Richard, as a neuropsychologist I found your introspective report on your stroke interesting to listen to. Nevertheless, I’d prefer to not have any more of it. I wish you a quick and full recovery!
    Andreas



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  • 260
    Stardusty Psyche says:

    All the best Richard, how wonderful it is that you clearly have your incisive wit in tact even if your motor control with respect to button manipulations may be somewhat diminished. If I were in your home I would gladly fix your buttons for you 🙂 I Love You Brother.



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  • 261
    Anthony Goodwin says:

    Even under the sad circumstances of illness you still manage to be witty yet scientific. You entertain and at the same time educate. And for this reason the world needs you to get better. Please listen to your doctors’ advice – remember science works, and if you don’t like it………………



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  • 262
    Gareth says:

    Love to you, Richard. You are one of our great teachers and deserve a most speedy recovery. Take care.

    (Ignore the haters. You know they are the idiots of the world.)



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  • 266
    Chris Jackson says:

    Dear Richard

    I am sorry to hear about your stroke, and although I don’t know if you read these comments, I shall try to share with you the following positive story.

    Five years ago my father had a stroke which sounds rather like yours. It was a bit of a shock at first – the word ‘stroke’ naturally causes alarm. But the doctors put him on statins and advised a changed diet and regular exercise. My father now walks in the Surrey countryside usually between five and twelve miles a day – it turned out to be a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, and to spend more time, he won’t mind my saying, with my mother. They go on long walking holidays together, some of which I suspect would be rather punishing even for his children. All in all, it has been a recalibration but a welcome one.

    We rather suspect that if he hadn’t a small stroke, he wouldn’t have been minded to do all this and might very well have gone to have a larger one. As a naturalist I’m sure you don’t need to reconnect with nature, but I wonder what insights might await someone like you, if you were to end up doing the sorts of walks my parents do – who knows, perhaps a new level of wonder may yet await!

    Best wishes, and thanks for all your wonderful books and looking forward to many more, Chris.



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  • 271
    Nick Ward says:

    Hello Richard
    Having once been a member of the evangelical community where your name was often derided, and now having left that world and reading your words and listening to you speak – I now know how precious a man you are to the world and a great force for good and reason, and a wonderful promoter of the wonder and adventure of science and the natural world.
    I can no longer pray for you but, I wish you all the very best for a speedy and full recovery. The world needs more Richard Dawkins !!!



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  • 272
    Glenn Smith says:

    Richard, thanks for sharing! All the best for a speedy recovery. I had a similar situation 2 years ago, and shortly after I stumbled across this presentation from Neuro scientist Jill Bolte Taylor over her own stroke experience. Perhaps you will find it interesting too. I look forward to see My you again at Starmus III and perhaps another nice dinner together.
    Best Regards, Glenn

    enter link description here



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  • 274
    P says:

    Great to hear you are getting over this, although you sound very frail in the recording…

    Get well soon Richard… This poor world needs you!

    All the best,

    PG



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  • 276
    Stuart says:

    Very sorry to hear about your stroke Richard. You probably won’t remember me but I came to your house many years ago with my then colleague Bruce Damer to talk about an idea of Bruce’s called the Alive Prize. I had met you at a conference prior to that in Cambridge (Biota 2).

    Anyway I have read all of your books and I am a great admirer of them and always happy to know that you are the standard bearer of people like me who believe in not believing.

    So please get passed this little glitch and get back on your horse Richard as the world needs you.
    I wish you a speedy recovery.

    Stuart Gold



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  • 278
    Luke Daly-Groves says:

    Dear Professor Dawkins,

    Please get well soon. As a fellow academic (Historian/Social Scientist) you are very inspiring to me and help me very much with my studies (I am currently studying for an MA) and I wish you all the health in the world. Ignore your critics, don’t let them get you down. For every critic there are always those like me who support you wholeheartedly. Best Wishes from Liverpool (England).



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  • 283
    Tyger says:

    Professor Dawkins,

    Please take care and avoid pushing yourself too hard. We need you to be around for a long, long time. Best wishes and get well. (Don’t let those horrid buttons get you down.)



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  • 285
    Wildcat says:

    Dear Richard, sometimes the body just doesn’t follow the mind. We look at ourselves in the mirror and see that wrinkled face framed by silver hairs and ask ourselves who is that person looking back at me? I am young, full of energy, ideas and so much to give to the world. But the mirror confronts us everyday with this terrible truth. The mind is young but wiser, the body still moves but doesn’t follow in the same pace . Your mind is young and bobbling, but your body is not a spring chicken any more. Take it easy, we need your insights and inspiration for many years to come. I wish you get better soon and continue to offer us much more of your wisdom. Go sailing in the Med, or birdwatching in Portugal and relax. You planted the seeds, it is up to us to care for those flowers.



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  • 286
    borthers says:

    Dear Richard, please take things easy for a while, put your feet up and just relax, not only will your body thank you but think of it as a well deserved rest. Best wishes to you and your family.



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  • 287
    Roland Nikolic says:

    Having had the pleasure of speaking with you during the IHEU conference in Oxford I was quite shaken with your fragile tone of voice in your message. Dear professor, Richard, do get well soon and keep on teaching us. This world so needs it…



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  • 290
    Yngve Foshaug says:

    Get well soon, Richard! 🙂

    I was upset to hear you are ill and hope you aren’t in a lot of discomfort or pain. Looking forward to seeing you recovering swiftly. I was very glad to hear this spoken message from you, as I know a stroke in quite a few cases makes it impossible to speak.

    You have inspired me and countless others to learn more about evolutionary biology, and I thank you for it.

    Stay strong.



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  • 291
    DMRA88 says:

    Get well soon Richard! You have been an inspiration to so many of us and have influenced our thinking and lives in profound ways. Even though we have not met personally, its hard to think of you as anything but a mentor and a friend. I hope you have a speedy recovery and continue touching lives and making this world a more rational, humanistic and overall better place to live in! Lots of love from the Dominican Republic!



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  • 293
    Mario Carapia says:

    Richard, your’er been the main inspiration tome to not to be a beliver (in god and mits) . I hop you get better. Be still with us for a long time , We need to here and learnd more from you.



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  • 296
    Peter Lee says:

    We are all glad to hear the stroke was not too serious. We look forward to your reflections – as a qualified post- stroke philosopher!
    I doubt if you will stop the struggle ,so get well soon and press on MacDuff!



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  • 297
    Ryan says:

    So sorry to hear the news Richard, we both wish you a speedy recovery. Your update was enlightening, thank you for taking the time to explain and help us understand. Please take it easy, you work too hard. All the best.



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  • 300
    Logicalthinking says:

    Get well soon Professor Dawkins and please take some time out to concentrate on your recovery. Debating the religious wing nuts of the world is a “hypertensive” pastime! I was in the audience when you spoke at the National Secular Society Conference in London in 2012 I think it was (?). Ironically I was going to ask you a light hearted question as to how you keep your blood pressure under control while debating the assorted faith heads around the world! I’ve always found debating with such people uniquely stressful. So to reiterate, please relax, recuperate, recover……. you’ve done so much for the world and we don’t want to lose you. Best wishes, Peter



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  • 304
    Chistery says:

    Dear Professor Dawkins:
    Please always remember you are loved around the world. Because of this, I imagine we all want you to be gentle with yourself and take all the time necessary to achieve complete recovery and be restored to your feisty self. Of course everyone here loves seeing and hearing from you, but it is worth waiting for the clean bill of health. You are a true hero, global treasure, and I don’t think it’s possible for any of us to really know the depth of gratitude we all feel for all of your ceaseless humanitarian work. So please go gently, don’t rush, eat, read, sleep. You are certainly worth the wait. Thank you for the lovely message.



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  • 305
    Dave Larsen says:

    Rest and be well, Professor! Thank-you so much for taking the time to share with all of us what happened. As you can see by the comments above, you are loved, admired, and respected by so many. I have also had a stroke, and one of the critical parts of my recovery was reading your books. Thank-you so much for giving so much of yourself in the pursuit of rational thought. Wishing you a full and speedy recovery from Minnesota. DL



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  • 306
    Luis says:

    I’m so sorry to hear such a sad news … I join the many who wish you a fast recovery, the dark room of this world needs your light, knowledge and courage . Thanks for what you do.



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  • 307
    Gustaf Liljegren says:

    Dear Richard. It’s such a relief to hear the stroke has mainly affected your ability of doing buttons. Best wishes on your recovery, and in balancing the stresses of being Richard Dawkins. Please consider making more podcasts in the future. The format suits you.



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  • 310
    Geraint says:

    Dear Professor,

    I was saddened to learn of your recent scare but it’s a relief to hear you sounding so well. You are an inspiration to many of us and your work has helped me



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  • 313
    Geraint says:

    Dear Professor,

    I was saddened to learn of your recent scare but it’s very encouraging to hear you sounding so well. You are such an inspiration to so many and have helped me a great deal.

    With you in mind, earlier today I went for walk and thought you might like to hear about it. There is a beautiful little place called “Cwm Idwal” in Snowdonia. I don’t know if you’ve heard of it, but it’s the head of a glacial valley which runs north from the Glyderau mountain range, stretching as far as a small town called Bethesda, some six miles from the Menai Straits. Charles Darwin visited the area as part of his geological research and this fact is honoured by a plaque for all visitors to the cwm to see.

    The cwm was very cold today, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Glyderau mountains, but it’s such a beautiful place that I hardly felt the harshness of the winter weather as I walked around the lake, Llyn Idwal. Legend has it that no birds fly over the lake because the son of an ancient Welsh Prince drowned there, although I couldn’t help but wonder if a more likely explanation was that due to its constantly shaded location, the lake lacks the tempting insects and larvae that would normally attract birds to feed.

    This is why you are so important, Professor. Your work teaches us how not to accept the ridiculous and to look beyond the smoke and mirrors.

    Thank you from the bottom of my heart and get well soon.



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  • 315
    Jane Clements says:

    Get well soon, Richard. I heard about your stroke when my ticket to your lecture at the Sydney Opera House was cancelled. I’m disappointed that you won’t be here, but so glad that you are feeling better. I hope this long list of well-wishers demonstrates how valued you are and how much we need your voice of reason. xx



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  • 319
    Karl Schempp says:

    The world needs you Richard. There aren’t many intellectuals of your stature that can fight the secular fight. Get well, and don’t let stress bother you in the future. You’ve already made a good impact on so many people, and your name will go down “extremely” well in history. So don’t let future stresses bother you. Take your future campaigning in stride, slow your life down, and eat well. The internet will ensure that your words will have a lasting impression on folks today, and on those that are unborn. I wish you a speedy recovery, and a big thanks for all of your involvements in all of the youTube videos that can be found on the internet.



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  • 320
    M_C_Evans says:

    Sorry to hear about your stroke. Pleased you are making good progress. Have tickets to see you twice at Words by the Water in Keswick on March 12 but it is much more important for you to get better rather than engage in ‘controversy’ with Alister McGrath. Please be patient and get well.



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  • 321
    Marco Jajac says:

    Dear Richard, i want you to know that you should not feel distressed because you were not invited to the Party, so to speak…those little minded doofuses are NOT your people. Your people do not dis-invite people whose opinions are contrary to theirs. So don´t be sad, just remind yourself that there is a huge number of people behind you and your ideas and work. Get better and watch your blood pressure in the future. I love that you have still your fighting spirit. But remember you are not a toddler anymore. Let THEM psych themselves out!



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  • 322
    Alex Harding says:

    Get well soon Professor!
    You changed my life when I was younger. When I turned 9 I gained access to the internet and consequently found myself watching anything I could find with “Richard Dawkins” in the title. You made me realise that I wasn’t just a freak because I could think for myself and outside of the Religious ‘box’ that I was brought up in. I want to thank you from the depths of my heart for remaining valiant as the voice of reason that is so dearly needed by the world. I cannot express the respect I have for you for continuing to stand up against the religious masses even with your advanced age. I’m currently 13 and you have taught me far more than I have ever learnt in school. Whether it be rational thinking, believing in evidence rather than tradition or that it shouldn’t be ‘uncool’ to speak eloquently. From watching your lectures and interviews, reading your books and drawing value from them, I have surpassed my peers at school. I feel like I have unlocked my brain thanks to you. Without you, I would be the mentally shackled individual I used to be and have weaker prospects for the future.
    I truly have so much to thank you for. I didn’t wish for this message to sound selfish or insensitive to your situation, but I hope it can show you how your voice reaches every demographic and it is priceless.
    I wish you a speedy recovery, I have FAITH that your valiant spirit will prevail!
    Thank you.



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  • 324
    belly button says:

    Indeed we are ‘human all too human’. Much respect to you for sending this message to let us all know how you are doing. Take good care and continue to make an excellent recovery. Keep going, we need you a while yet xxxx



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  • 326
    Fagen says:

    Hello Professor Dawkins….Wishing you a speedy recovery and looking forward to much much more of your wit and wisdom…get well soon!…..Terry in Portugal



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  • 327
    Mark Morell says:

    Take good care kind Sir, We are all waiting for news that your health is improving, Please prioritise yourself and health at this point knowing there are a lot of people around the world wishing you a speedy recovery, You are a beacon of common sense to so many of us we will wait as long as it takes for your health to improve eagerly, and patiently. until you are ready to speak again.



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  • 328
    dave4133 says:

    Please hang in there Richard and not wishing to put any more pressure on you, but in this world where unfortunately for 3000 years where fear, superstition and ignorance has been used to control and suppress our natural human spirit to progress – we need now more than ever the voice of reason, common sense and intelligence that you have done so well over the years. It is thanks to you, that even though never believing in a heaven, a paradise or a divine place we go to to after depth or strive for but that it is already here in the form of the shear diversity, wonder and abundance of life and physical beauty of earth when we now know that the finding a planet and life being on it, is so unlikely. Thanks to you I know I know longer take it for granted. I truly hope you will get better, and even more so you will listen to those who tell you to take it easy for the required time instead of wanting to get back ASAP. Not many people on this planet I respect but to have my admiration, liking and someone I would certainly want to have as a friend.



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  • 329
    Rae says:

    It is so nice to hear your voice. Please keep us updated and if there is anything you need don’t hesitate to ask. I also wanted to express that you did not have to mention NECSS inviting you back but you did I think that goes to show what a good person you truly are Professor. Most of us on this site probably know that what they did was not right. BTW that tweet was HILARIOUS! GET BETTER SOON.



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  • 330
    Kovacs Jozsef says:

    I wish you a speedy recovery sir! Please try to restrict yourself from working and just focus on Richard Dawkins’s body for a little while.Forget about the stupid religions and all the other problems of world what you’ve been teaching us for so long!Take good care of yourself sir because we need you and the world need you!
    One more time get well soon!Best wishes from CANADA,Toronto.



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  • 331
    Gustavo Suhett Helmer says:

    All I wish for you is for not going quietly unto your grave.
    Scream, kick, shout, give’em hell.
    Never say you are sorry without checking first if you have a reason to.
    Never bow!
    Do not go gently unto that good night!



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  • 332
    Evidentialist says:

    I just registered so that I can comment. I really hope you’ll get better very soon. You’re one of my personal heroes. Don’t let the regressives grind you down, they’re not worth it. They’re wretched people that betray rational and secular activists around the world. Don’t apologize for their bullshit “tolerance”. I can’t begin to explain how much your work means to me. I’ll never forget when you signed my copy of The God Delusion and shook my hand in Antwerp over a year ago. The world needs scientific and consistent thinkers like you. The atheist awakening brought forth by the internet would not have had the same impact without your clear voice. Please take care of yourself sir.

    Grtz,

    A Belgian fan.



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  • 333
    Marty Gee says:

    Dear Professor Dawkins,

    Thank you for being the beacon of biology, reason and sanity for so many years. I wish you a hasty recovery. You are beloved to so many scientists and free thinkers . Please remember this when you are stressed to lower your blood pressure. Your friend Sam Harris will undoubtedly give good advice on meditation. Extending good wishes and health to you.
    Martin Gallagher BSc BDS.



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  • 335
    Rita Angelo says:

    Thanks Professor Dawkins, you have truly been an inspiration in my life. I grew up in an abusive Evangelical home, later became an atheist and struggled with revealing my atheism for many years because I felt shame and guilt. However, after watching your lectures, I learned to be stronger and now I am not ashamed anymore and I speak openly about my lack of beliefs. I am sure you hear a similar story to mine on a daily basis. Know that you are a highly influential man and you are responsible for sparking scientific curiosity in many human minds. For this, you should be proud. You will eventually die in this universe, but remember you are still alive in many other universes. Get well soon Professor!– Rita from New York City.



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  • 336
    Jo says:

    Thank you for sending us an update on your condition. I trust we won’t see you appearing dressed in Amish attire at your next lecture . . .

    I say this as one who is not far behind you in age . . . please do take into account the need to accommodate changes that require things like taking into account the effects of time zone changes, allowing for rest, and taking care to enjoy the pursuits that bring you pleasure and peace.

    Best wishes!
    Jo Fjelstrom



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  • 338
    Reckless Monkey says:

    So sorry Richard to hear about your stroke, you seem to be handling it very well and your update and discussion of it is very helpful (it’s not often discussed in public).

    I came across your work bored one holiday as a teenager reading the blind watch maker (my Father also a fan had it on his bookshelf). I thought I had understood evolution after watching many documentaries such as Life on Earth, while these were excellent they didn’t paint the picture with the clarity that to my adolescent mind was literally like a powerful bolt, a stunning smack in the face of the pure elegance and beauty of the theory. It is a irony that that is exactly the type of think I had been looking for in religion and never found, the profound experience, but I found it in knowledge instead. I have of course had similar thrilling shocks of insight in all of your other books. I hope you get over the worst of this and re-train your brain quickly.

    Sagan, Feynman, Attenborough, Brownoski and you have molded my understanding of what science is and I try to impart the integrity you have all demonstrated onto my science students. You are of the very best kind of people.

    I’d also like to say how much I have appreciated your clear rational voice on religion over the years. I hope you can find a middle ground between being you and looking after yourself. All the best and we all wish you a speedy recovery.



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  • 341
    google_user says:

    Richard,

    I think, after reading all these comments that in the future when a religious believer comes to my door to promote their interests I shall offer them a copy of “The God Delusion” and challenge them to read it, if they think their faith can protect them from any misgivings they might have.
    I’ll refer to this endeavor as “Witnessing for Dawkins”

    Thank you for enlightening me.

    Richard Scott, B.C. Canada



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  • 342
    David Adams says:

    What doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. You’ll soon have all those diety’s kneeling at your feet! MuhaHa!

    You’re an inspiration, professor, and even now your particular configuration of atoms has benefitted this world more than most. Rest easy and thank you for humility.

    David.



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  • 345
    Bruce Ing says:

    I have only recently started following your lectures.

    We need more people with your passion, fairness and understanding, to teach reason and battle for atheists respect and understanding.

    Please get well soon.



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  • 346
    Julian Brearley says:

    Don’t you even consider ‘checking out’ yet! Personally speaking I’ve already lost quite enough people who’s unique skills I respect this year and we’re barely into February (bodes particularly badly for Clive James who’s autobiography I’m halfway through!).

    Wishing you a heartfelt and speedy recovery…
    Julian



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  • 348
    SaganTheCat says:

    Get well soon please Richard.

    I don’t know about this business with the CofE tweet, I’m sure they didn’t intend to troll you as the church has always been there as ‘prey for Richard’ I thought..?



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  • 349
    K Russell says:

    Shocking news but glad you’re making a recovery. It’s hard to hear you sounding so off-form but wonderful that you still manage to deliver us a mini lecture. Love the Doctor’s advice – the fool!

    Best wishes sir – here’s to a full and speedy recovery. – k x



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  • 352
    Jon S says:

    Dear Richard Dawkins, I was sorry to hear about your stroke. Your story reminded me of Daniel Dennetts beautiful little essay about “Thank goodness”. I hope you will soon recover to your old self, and be able to battle buttons as well as the stupidity in this world. Best wishes from Scandinavia!



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  • 354
    Chris Baer says:

    Please take care Mr. Dawkins. You mean the world to so many & we are all hoping for a speedy & thorough recovery. I am saddened to hear of this unfortunate turn of events, but am also convinced that you will come back from it stronger than ever. All the best from here in the U.S.. You are beloved here by so many – don’t forget that – ever.



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  • 356
    Karen Hill Anton says:

    Dear Richard,
    Yesterday when I learned you’d had a stroke, I chided myself for not checking the site as I normally do when I’m home (Japan, 40 years). Currently visiting California and busily enjoying myself with children and grandchildren, who all know your work (I’ve gifted your books) and my high regard for you, they understood my sadness when I said you’d had a stroke.
    The recording made me cry, and reminded me why you’re an extraordinary human being, inspiring love, respect, and caring. Do rest, and get well.
    Karen



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  • 358
    Ian says:

    ***Get well soon Richard.

    Rumour has it that a lot of people are praying for you. Perhaps we can now calculate the velocity of prayer.

    Love and Peace***



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  • 359
    Michael says:

    Hello Richard,

    I just finished listening to your audio update. I am encouraged by your clear and concise speech and content, as you should be as well. Remember, you are still here, and natural selection willing, you shall be for a great while longer.

    Rest up, please RELAX a bit.

    Mike Safier, Newbury Park, California.



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  • 361
    w3zacc says:

    I have to give the best of my thoughts and hopes to you Richard. You have been a huge influence on my life, and your utter humanity and integrity have inspired me. Thank you for everything you’ve done and everything you’ll continue doing!



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  • 362
    John Bagnole says:

    Richard, How wonderful to hear your voice again. Thank you for the update. I see you haven’t lost your sense of humor either. That’s a relief! Though you sound a bit weak, I’m sure that’s exactly what the convalescence will be addressing along with rebuilding your motor-skills and other aspects of your mental-physiological coordination and well being. For now, follow your doctor’s orders and try to get in some good reading during this temporary interregnum of rest and rebuilding. All best wishes for a speedy recovery. JB



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  • 364
    Kevin W Smith says:

    Terribly sorry to hear of your misfortune Richard, but grateful to hear your voice. I wish you a quick and uneventful recovery and bid you good health. Be well Richard, we need you around for a good while as yet.

    Regards,
    Kevin W. Smith



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  • 367
    MInnie Jones says:

    Dear Richard,
    I was extremely saddened to hear you had suffered a stroke. I was equally moved by your recording illustrating the events before the incident. You are as ever gracious, kind and hugely informative in sharing of yourself. I am, like so many other thoughtful people here very grateful to you for the work you do. I often find myself of an evening flicking through one of your books or listening to one of your debates or discussions on YouTube. I find your research fascinating, inspiring and helpful. Thank you. I don’t know how many Christian fans you have. Probably more than either of us might guess. I am one of them. I am not someone who denies the theory of evolution, the remarkable brilliance of cosmology, quantum mechanics or science and mathematics generally. I love and cherish each of these and all the people that work tirelessly to expand our experience and minds accordingly. I hope knowing that I have a faith does not put too big a shadow over my expressions of heartfelt warmth and gratitude for you and your work. I am a big believer that faith cannot grow unless it is challenged, much like a scientific theory must be challenged if it is to gain evidence and ultimately acceptance. Wishing you the speediest recovery.
    Minnie



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  • 368
    antonio parra says:

    I wish you a total and rapid recovery. May help you to know that I’ve translated into spanish your (and mine) beloved Elspeth Huxley’s RED STRANGERS just for pleasure and as a gift to certain friends of mine that can not understand english . We all share your wiew about that brilliant and nice book.
    Le deseo una recuperación rápida y completa. Tal vez le ayude saber que, solo por gusto y por hacer un regalo a ciertos amigos que no hablan inglés y que pienso que no deberían perderse tan brillante y precioso libro, traduje hace tiempo al castellano su querido (y mío también) Red Strangers de Elspeth Huxley. Todos han agradecido el haberlo descubierto.



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  • 369
    littlestardust says:

    Wishing you a speedy recovery………relax and have a good rest, we really need a healthy body to move on, however your relentless effort to bring humanity back to reality is really a great inspiration.



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  • 370
    Jason Morin says:

    Truly one of the greatest inspirations of our time. It’s always such a pleasure to hear you speak in public. Thank you for everything you have done &, I’m sure, will continue to do. Get well soon!



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  • 371
    Kristoffer says:

    I hope you get well soon Richard! Thank you for what you have done for humanity until now. Imagine what it will be like in 500 years, I think it will be fantastic and your memes probably are going to play a big role in that. With love from Sweden!



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  • 372
    GodmyX says:

    Many greetings from the Czech Republic, from Olomouc! Please, Richard, be well, we can’t afford to lose you… you are too important on so many levels. I wish you a speed recovery!



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  • 374
    Talal says:

    I hope you get well soon Richard, relax have a good rest and take it easy.

    You need to get well again because I still have to fulfill my dream of watching you live in an event 🙂

    All the best Richard, you are a real life hero



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  • 376
    Parnian says:

    Dead Richard,
    It’s a huge relief to hear from you. I was counting days to your Australia lecture and i had bought my ticket the first day it went on sale, i was so sad to hear the news but honestly now that i heard the story i am very much rellieved!
    The reason why is that my dad suffered from the very same type of stroke four years ago, when he noticed he couldn’t hold the spoon on the breakfast table on morning.
    We were devastated as his left part of his body stopped functioning properly whithin hours and we thought he’d never be the same again. Now here’s the part i wanna make sure i share with you, less than 8 months later he was 100 percent back to normal and functioning well just like before! And by functioning i mean filling teeth and doing all the delicate jobs a dentist does on a daily basis with his left hand just like he would before!
    So please don’t let those annoying buttons take away your happiness or make you think how you’re not able to do the things you used to anymore! This will go away completely and my dad, 69 now is the living proof to that!!!
    Above all, thank you for being the inspiring and amazing person you are, you lit up my world with science and reason when i was so confused with all the buzz of religion around me living in a toxic society like Iran’s. I owe my freedom and peace to your books and lectures.
    I am looking forward to the future speeches from you and hope you recover even faster than my dad did!
    So much love and respect,
    Parnian



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  • 377
    google_user says:

    Richard,

    Here’s a small anecdote that may cheer you up,

    The “Discovery” show hosted by Jay Ingram used to have a scientific question every week, called…….. “A Shot in the Dark” ……, if answered correctly they would place your name in a draw for a jacket or other clothing with the “Discovery” logo on it.
    For anyone of a scientific bent it was a prize worth having.

    The question of the week was:

    “Where is the location in the brain that is referred to as Broca’s area and how does
    damage to it affect ones behavior?”

    Great, having read the publication “Broca’s Brain” I knew the answer and was well on my way to securing the treasure. Alas my super-ego overtook me, and I soon found myself proclaiming a possible victory to a friend. My friend seized upon this opportunity to congratulate me.

    This very good friend then prepared a nice letter on a well fabricated sheet with the
    “Discovery” letterhead, enclosed a calendar, pictured each month with a different outhouse, displayed during the evening or night hours. The calendar was a glossy edition
    called …… “A Shit in the Dark”…… The letter explained that I had missed the draw date and this calendar was a gift for trying.

    I was enthralled, and once again boasted to my friends including the author of this prank about my prize
    .
    On the anniversary of the posting, Once again I received a copy of the same letter but with the date year crossed out with a pen, and a hand written date penned in it’s place.
    Along with this a new calendar, ( same edition as the last). the first thought that crossed
    my mind was “Jay Ingram was a bit of a cheapskate!!) , however I recovered from this rude thought and proceeded again to tell all my friends about my good fortune.

    Another year passed, my good wife and I decided to have a mystery dinner party, we invited all our friends. When I answered the doorbell for this very good friend he handed me a notice claiming it was left in my mailbox. We all went in, then during the festivities my friend suggested I should open the posted message.

    You can imagine my delight on such an occasion amongst my friends when I saw the post came from the “Discovery”. However, to my dismay it was the same darn letter with two years date now crossed out and corrected to the current year but this time in pencil !!!
    This time, the letter went on to say that if I wanted a third calendar I would be required to forward $15.00 Canadian currency and another calendar of the same edition would then be forthcoming.

    About this time it all came together, my leg had been successfully pulled for three years. Nice just nice.

    So as you can see not all good things are scientific in nature, my friendship with this man suddenly intensified and persists to this day in my 76th year.

    Hope that cheered you up, have happy thoughts,

    Richard Scott



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  • 378
    Tomasz Stawarz says:

    My dear Professor,

    I wish You all the best in this unfortunate situation. I hope that You will get better soon, and will live in good condition for many,many more years. Yet this accident of Yours make me realize that I should thank You for everything that You have done, for every book that You have wrote and read, and for all wise things You have said. I wish to do that You in person, and i hope that some day i will be able to. But until then this must suffice.

    Again I wish You all the best.

    Sincerely Yours Tomasz



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  • 379
    TMacC says:

    Sorry to hear the news Richard. It cheered me up to hear your voice which seems unaffected by the stroke and you are clearly looking at the positive side. Get well soon and straight back into all that controversy we love so much!



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  • 381
    Jim Cox says:

    Wishing you well from Canada Richard.
    I’m on page 323 of “The God Delusion”, but already consider you a friend after watching your debates, and discussions on YouTube.
    Cheers
    Jim



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  • 385
    Eric Dickhaus says:

    Dear Richard,
    I feel remorse for not haing written sooner; as a scientist I imagined that there was always so much time! Even after Hitch left us, exactly as his father had, once again showing that you can talk yourself out of anything except genetics, I failed to learn the lesson correctly. Your message is heartening, and I am certain that you will soon regain adequate strength to continue your important work. I wish you all the best for a speedy recovery!
    We are all grateful for your courage, but this is not enough for me. I feel the need to step up and help in a more vigorous way, to promote and defend science actively, and the battle against the malignancy of religion with even greater fervor. I am an epigeneticist, and therefore an heir to the groundbreaking work done by you and your colleagues and predescors. I applaud your rigor, your honesty, and your integrity, and I have become a member of your foundation as a (very) small hommage to your foresight and thoughtfulness as you pursue what all of us desire; the most complete explanation possible. Cheers, and my heartfelt best wishes.

    Dr. Eric W. Dickhaus



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  • 386
    KaeYoss says:

    Dear Professor Dawkins,
    I hope you will make a complete and speedy recovery!

    You are one of the great minds of our time, and an inspiration to so many.

    I don’t know if this will help, but whenever you are stressed over uncouth extremists taking umbrage at something you said or did, remember that your admiring fans know that you’re a man of reason and that any controversy you’re involved in is much more likely the result of people going out of their way to be offended.



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  • 388
    Silly Sad says:

    Professor, You do not need those leftish quasi-liberal people to support you, you can supersede them. You have enough supporters to have your own political movement, and them you will call yours.



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  • 389
    Paris says:

    My hope is that you will be back on your feet full time, after taking a well-deserved rest. Your message is important to everyone – for those new to the issues you address, to those who don’t want to listen, and for those like me who have been paying attention a long time and want a better society. Your work is greatly appreciated. Best wishes from Taiwan. Larry, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan.



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  • 391
    Anilkumar says:

    Come on , what a wonderful way top put it Mr. Dawkins,’if one should have a stroke this is the best one”!
    Get well soon. A few people are needed to outlive many and you are one such.



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  • 393
    Jason says:

    Lots of love, Mr. Dawkins. Your wordcraft and insight have been important to me, and it’s nice to hear that both seem to be intact after the incident. Thank you for the update and I’ll keep you in my good thoughts.



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  • 394
    Jim says:

    You have advanced the ratchet of knowledge and understanding, and it will not slip back. Your books (and videos, and lectures, and writings, and debates…) are a robust tool of immense value that can cut through ignorance, but also inform and inspire.

    People recover from strokes (as you know), so rest up, relax and get well!

    You have my very best wishes.



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  • 395
    CarolynA says:

    Mr. Dawkins, I wish you a speedy recovery, and all the patience you will need with those buttons! Your books and talks have meant a great deal to me; I read and watch them over and over. Please get well soon, best wishes from Holland.



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  • 396
    Odera Eze says:

    My sympathies Sir, for the horrible experience. Thank goodness the source of one of our generation’s greatest gifts– your intellect– was left unharmed. The rest would heal, you are a man of great strength amongst other enviable qualities we so cherish you for. Wishing the universe and beyond its frontier supports and protects you in a speedy and comfortable recovery.

    You are thoroughly loved. Stay strong Sir.



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  • 399
    InYourFaceNewYorker says:

    Richard,

    My mother sends her regards. It may seem a bit meaningless because you’ve never even met my mother, but she does have a lot of respect for you and your work. I should also mention that you do have a couple things in common:

    1) She, like you, once had a brain hemorrhage, in her case at age 47 (when I was 16), though I don’t know if that’s considered the same as a hemorrhagic stroke. She made a full recovery and suffered no permanent damage. For a month or so she did have some minor memory problems and was hypersensitive to lights and sounds, but that was it. So she has some idea of what you’re going through.

    2) She, like you, is a perpetual optimist. From the moment that she regained consciousness (this was after about 4 days in the hospital, she went home that same day, I think), she was determined to get better. And I think that helped a lot.

    Take care of yourself, and always remain strong.



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  • 401
    Dr.Szymanovsky says:

    Even though I am profoundly religious,I like and admire you for your brilliant incisive rationality which I feel is very helpful and can expose weaknesses in my faith.I love to be challenged and you do so brilliantly,and this is much needed in this world as so many of my religious friends are absolute loonys,lack compassion,a rational brain and are just horrible people.Mostly I find the nicest people are atheists.
    Well done and good luck
    I wish you a speedy and healthy recovery,and look forward to you challenging the idiocy of my beliefs and faith once again.



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  • 403
    Munir Ahmad kakar says:

    Deeply shocked to hear about your illness. Get well soon Sir. That is what could be the wish and yearning of millions. I am one among them because I believe you have the intellectual capacity and prowess to lead humanity towards the path of rationality and away from superstitions. Those of us who are living in societies where ignorance and myth reign supreme are bitterly aware of the fact that until and unless reason and rationality are allowed to conquer these landscapes humanity will suffer. Your intellectual struggle and dogged determination can go along way to realize the dreams of a peaceful and prosperous world.



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  • 405
    AmandaLynne says:

    Wishing you a quick recovery, Richard!
    I’ve been to see you speak a couple times and I was at the Unbelievers premiere in Toronto; you have had a profound affect on my life and my thought processes.
    My love to you and Lalla.



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  • 406
    Pinball1970 says:

    I will not be praying for you.
    I will leave your recovery to science, reason, modern medicine and your willingness to place your rehabilitation in your Drs hands.
    Get well soon



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  • 408
    Kliwon says:

    Richard, glad to see that you are able to recall the event clearly and recount it as well as commenting here.

    Hope you make a full recovery and are back to your best soon.



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  • 409
    Marktony says:

    Richard, hope you are soon back to full health and posting more controversial tweets. Loved the cartoon. I appreciate what you are going through re the buttons as I recently broke my wrist – took some time to get full use back. There was much swearing and cursing.



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  • 410
    alf1200 says:

    I hope you are doing well this week Richard. I had a stroke two years ago. It took a while to recover and I lost part of my eyesight.
    You have inspired millions. I thought while I was growing up, there was something wrong with me since I was atheist.

    I will sacrifice a chicken in your honor. Actually, I will BBQ a chicken in your honor.



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  • 411
    Shand MUsings says:

    Dear Richard,

    On your question about the evolution of the human hand, I suspect the evolutionary trigger for more precise control over that particular appendage had something to do with masturbation or berry picking. Likely the former, because the latter is less…well, there isn’t always a berry patch handy, is there.

    Regardless, please don’t worry too much about physical impairments. As comfort, bring Stephen Hawking to mind when you feel frustrated.

    And just like Dr. Hawking, it is your extraordinary mind that holds the entire world’s attention and affection. That being the thing that has already rendered you immortal.

    Keep well and cheerful.



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  • 412
    Hans N. says:

    Relieved to hear your voice Richard. I’m a bit ashamed Ive never reached out to you until now, especially since a single interview of yours changed my life. I was already an evolved primate of science, but wasn’t aware all those many years ago of the harmful impact of man made religions and how it should be all of our responsibility to spread science and reason.

    Please take your time. Recover in peace. Stay well.

    May Zues, the juju in the sea and the flying spaghetti monster watch over you…better still, let the doctors do it.



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  • 414
    Matthew McKinney says:

    Professor Dawkins,

    I sincerely hope for your full recovery, and many years of your continued good health.

    I find it very regrettable that you’re being attacked by the self-proclaimed proponents of whom you’ve spent a great deal of time and effort advocating for. I’m reminded of an excerpt from your book The Selfish Gene:

    “The meme for blind faith secures its own perpetuation by the simple unconscious expedient of discouraging rational inquiry.”

    I’m quite sure that, in the mind of the irrational, blind faith doesn’t only pertain to issues of religion, but to all issues that relate to our self-interests. Please continue to be a voice for rational inquiry in spite of those that wish to silence it.

    As you’ve so articulately pointed out on occasion remember what Stephen Fry once said: “Well you’re offended, so fucking what?”

    Get well soon!



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  • 415
    nyperi13 says:

    Dear Richard,
    I share the sentiments of so many others to whom you’ve been an inspiration — you truly are a gift to the world! It was so kind of you to create this audio message to all of us who have been worried about you since hearing about your recent health scare. Hearing your beautiful voice gives much hope that you will overcome this setback and regain your full vigor. Please take good care of yourself — take all the time and do whatever you need to get yourself well. You have an entire “army” (in the peaceful sense of this word) of well-wishers and admirers who are thinking of you and have you in our hearts. Kindest regards to you and yours 🙂 PS: You are probably getting plenty of health advice, but I can’t help but to mention that perhaps you consider switching to a plant-strong (vegan), nutrient dense diet — it has proven health benefits and would be a perfect compliment to your recovery program (not to mention that it is better for the animals and the environment — a concern I know you share, given some of the talks/interviews I’ve heard you have).



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  • 416
    Steve Arquitt says:

    Dear Richard,
    I’m sorry to hear of your illness and wish you a speedy and full recovery. I also want to take this opportunity to thank you for your wonderful work – all of it! You have been an inspiration and a great teacher to me and to so many others. I grew up in the American south and had hellfire and damnation scared into me as a child. Thank you for helping me find my liberation.



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  • 417
    Red Dog says:

    Haven’t commented here in a long while but wanted to stop by and say I wish you a speedy recovery and all the best. You’ve made an immense difference in my life. Your books enabled me to really understand the beauty of biology and evolution and your life is an inspiration for those of us who believe in reason and science over superstition and hate.



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  • 420
    Martin Rindom Sørensen says:

    Get well soon Mr. Dawkins, It is good to hear that your mind have not suffert, and that you still have your wit. And take the time to get well.
    The community that you have helped to build will still, show the farryatale for what they are.

    And remember that not even GOD can slay you.



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  • 423
    Alan4discussion says:

    Justin
    Feb 17, 2016 at 1:39 am

    Please be aware that being banned from the conference . . . . .

    It seems that resentful Dawkins detractors, (who have probably been criticised at some point in the past, for their lazy expressing of gratuitous opinions, without bothering to check facts), have been circulating derogatory rumours, made-up, and based, on their habits of sloppy wishful thinking!

    I would suggest that anyone here who wishes to comment on the subject, investigates this link first!

    https://www.richarddawkins.net/2016/02/necss-executive-committee-statement-richards-response/#li-comment-198043



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  • 425
    Mark Ribbands says:

    Crikey: I just heard about this.
    Get well Richard!
    I suppose if anyone can afford to lose a bit of cerebral tissue/function, you can. There’s plenty more where that came from 🙂
    Take care (and try sleeping sometimes, although I know it’s a bore.)
    Mark, and Mui x
    ps: It’s rather excellent that you have the Tesla – press one button, relax, and delegate the driving to science!
    Note to web guru: Link to the file not working, at least not in Malaysia.



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  • 426
    John says:

    Dear Mr. Dawkins, sorry to learn that you could not fulfil your mission to come to Australia. Please don’t go to Heaven just yet……………..it’s just not worth it………..really. Please come to Adelaide instead, it’s a much nicer place.

    If anyone is upset at my sad attempt at humour then please understand that “offence is not a defence”.

    OK OK, all the best to you Richard, looking forward to your next trip down this way.



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  • 427
    Paul says:

    Hi Richard,

    I am just now informed about your stroke, in the newsletter. I wish you a speedy recovery, but take it at whatever pace is appropriate. A few days ago, I finished reading Brief Candle in the Dark, which I enjoyed very much at my daily coffee breaks, in a local shop. What a rich and rewarding life it describes!
    I look forward to more of your talks, on YouTube. I think I have watched all of them and benefited from every one.

    Paul Bredderman
    Clifton Park, NY



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  • 428
    Chris Harbinson says:

    Have you considered EWI therapy?
    When jazz pianist Oscar Peterson suffered a stroke at the age of 69, he lost the use of his left side.
    Dispirited, Peterson considered getting rid of the Bōsendorfer piano he had in his basement.
    In Oscar Peterson: The Man And His Jazz (Random House) Jack Batten writes that a bass player called Dave Young who had toured with Peterson “called to insist that he and Oscar get together to jam a little. Oscar said he didn’t think it was a good idea. ignoring Oscar’s doubts, Young showed up a the Mississauga house with his bass. Dave sensed that even Kelly [Peterson’s wife] felt he was on a doomed mission.
    “But the two men went down to the music room in the basement. Oscar sat at the Bōsendorfer, and they began to play. They led off with Love Ballade, a tune of Oscar’s that he performed frequently in the years just before he had his stroke.
    “‘Oscar was kind of disappointed with his playing,’ Young said of the session. ‘But he was interested. It was as if he was thinking. Maybe this will work.’
    “Young and Oscar played together two or three more times. The basement sessions turned out to be enough to kick-start Oscar. Thoughts of getting rid of the Bōsendorfer disappeared. Oscar was back in business.”
    So it occurs to me that you, Mr Dawkins, might benefit from a jam session or two. Your practising for that memorable Saatchi performance will have set up all sorts of neural pathways, parts of which will still be lurking in your grey matter.
    So pick up that EWI and give it a go. Act as if you can… and see what happens.
    I hope this playful approach will improve your dexterity with those buttons.
    Not to oversell my suggestion, the next paragraph of Batten’s book reads, “Oscar’s left hand never recovered its former strength and mobility. The right had did most of the work, with contributions from the left that were careful and limited.”
    He did, however, get back to public performing and recording.
    Wishing you all the best for your recovery.



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  • 429
    Paul says:

    Sorry to hear that Richard! Best of luck and recovery, but you may have to leave (Part of) the battle to a younger generation; nobody can keep the fire stoked high all the time. Again, good luck and thanks for all the tremendous works you have performed so far; you have certainly enriched my life!



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  • 431
    mulligan says:

    Richard,
    After the stroke, others have said that the world needs you. I agree with that. When I say that your work saves lives, I do not exaggerate.

    From this Glaswegian, gaun yersel, pal.



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  • 432
    drumdaddy says:

    We learn from you even in your distress, Richard.
    Appreciation of the amazing human hand rings so poignantly from the perspective of its loss, even if and hopefully temporarily. From your condition, and with your guidance, my mind was led to consider the immense losses of amputees and paralysis victims. While military justifications for such carnage are barbaric enough, religious removal of human hands, limbs, or heads is horrific. Sorry to digress into morbid topics, but you always get me thinking, Richard. You inspire rational thought on a massive scale, sir. We love you for that.



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  • 435
    Odalrich says:

    I’m extremely sorry you’ve been unwell, you’d better look after yourself and take it easy. We cannot afford to lose a person, a scientist and a free thinker activist like you. It gives me the creeps to think of the numbers of retards and religious nuts that would be celebrating your demise and talking the usual rubbish if the worst had happened.
    I hope you get better soon and keep up the good work.
    Greetings,
    odalrich



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  • 437
    Ellen says:

    I was upset to hear about your stroke, but vastly relieved to hear your voice and update on how you’re doing. I am such an admirer of all your work, particularly what you do for the promotion of reason and science. You are one of my true heroes, and the planet would be sadly lacking without you on it! Please accept my best wishes for a speedy and thorough recovery.

    Ellen Wolf
    Knoxville, Tennessee



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  • 438
    Kim Conger says:

    I learnt of your condition this morning, which I found troubling because of how frequently I visit the internet. I am genuinely pleased, however, that I was able to immediately quell my suspicions that your status was much more severe by accessing your report to us that your health has been improving each day. Thank the indifferent forces of nature that have “allowed” for healing.

    You’ve remarked on a number of occasions that death is the invariable consequence of life. I’ve ingrained this factual note into my consciousness, but what it conveys doesn’t quite appear to me until I encounter it manifesting in reality. Our presence upon this insignificant planet is such a source of rapture, but we must bear in mind its fragility – in time, all organisms are to return the material constituents of our physical selves to the cosmos that lent them to us, for recycling.

    And yet, as such a fantastic number of preceding comments have maintained, I’m not prepared for you to demonstrate your own fragility. As a Brief Candle in the Dark, you, I hope, will endeavor to remain intact following a gust that seeks to unequip your cognitive faculties, your luminosity. The cosmos requires your skeptic guidance.

    Be well, sir.

    Kim Conger
    Latham, New York



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  • 439
    Robert says:

    Professor Dawkins, you sounded fine in your recorded message. I am glad you are recovering from your minor stroke. Take it easy and take care of yourself. Although we do have mean, unkind, and ignorant people in this world, you have an amazing amount of support of intelligent and right minded people.

    Robert H. Biggadike
    West Covina, California, USA



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  • 440
    Bryan Stephenson says:

    Dear Richard, I’m so sorry you have suffered a minor stroke. I can’t imagine a world without you. Please take care and get well as soon as possible. You’re in my thoughts.

    Bryan Stephenson
    Indianapolis, IN



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  • 441
    Seed_of_Reason says:

    Professor Dawkins,

    I was sad to hear about your stroke. However, I am very happy and relieved to know you are recovering. We all appreciate the recording you released to ease our worries. Thank you for taking time out of your recovery to let the world know you are still fighting.

    I hope you know how much you are changing the world for the better, as your guidance has changed me for the better. You have helped me live a better life as I trek through this swamp of religiosity known as the Bible Belt of Texas. As the great Hitchens said “Religion poisons everything”. I live near Austin, Texas and the backlash I receive for my lack of belief (even among my own family) is staggering. But I won’t back down, and I won’t stay silent. I will keep my head held high, fire back with the power of reason, and use the guidance of champions such as you.

    Rest well my friend, then please get back out there and beat them over the head with the truth!

    All the best,
    Dexter Welch



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  • 442
    James Stern says:

    I must speak for many when I thank you for your writings and for your vigorous defense of good sense against its many enemies. Rest, recover, and when you can, please rejoin the fight.



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  • 443
    Paul says:

    Dear Professor Dawkins,

    I’m sorry to hear that you have suffered a stroke but reassured that you appear to be on the mend.

    Please take care.

    —

    Paul Denny

    Auckland, NZ



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  • 444
    Stewart says:

    My wife and I are very sorry about your stroke and that you will not be able to make your planned visit to New Zealand next month. We are devotees of your work in both biological and philosophical spheres and enjoyed attending the session when you last came to Wellington. The ticketing agency is holding on to bookings pending a potential revised date when you are fully recovered. We will live in hope of your full recovery and ability to travel to the antipodes again – if this isn’t too much of a stress. Best wishes.

    Stewart and Sheila Mann
    Wellington, NZ



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  • 445
    google_user says:

    Hello Richard,

    It’s me again with another dose of humour, sorry no medications,
    Here’s a small story to make you laugh, the best medicine af all.

    One heavenly day St. Peter is busy at the gate and he notices by the sundial that it’s time for an important meeting with God. He is running late, has still to change his dirty sandals, so he calls out to Jesus and asks him if he would mind watching the gate while he attends to his meeting. Jesus is a little anxious in this regard and pleads with Pete to stay a while longer while he attempts a couple of entrees. All goes well two get a third one is told to go to h***.

    Feeling much better he lets St. Peter go.

    Time passes a few more come and enter, then a little old man approaches the gate, cap in hand. Jesus very politely asks him the standard question,….. “And what did you do in your life?”. The little old man answers in a soft voice, “Why, I was a carpenter and a cabinet maker, just like you”. Jesus naturally suddenly took an extra interest in this little old man, and prompted him “Did you have any children?”. The little old man answered “Why yes, I did have a little boy , once, but he got lost and I never found found him again.” Feeling a little sorry for the old gentleman, He asked further”What was he like?” To which the old fellow said “Oh, he was always well kempt but he had some holes in his hands and feet.” Astonished at the answer and somewhat puzzled by it he showed the little old man his own hands and feet asking…. “Like these?”. The little old man was behide himself and cried out,

    "PINOCHIO........ where have you been?"

    Your nemesis,
    Richard



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  • 446
    fuzzywzhe says:

    Mr Dawkins,

    I don’t understand why you should be upset about getting dis-invited to a conference because of a bunch of liberal nutjobs – they aren’t “one of you”. The conference organizers however sees that group as “one of them”. They aren’t, but that’s how they were pressured into a reaction.

    Also, you shouldn’t feel any stress at all. You’re well off, almost certainly monetarily secure for life, and you shouldn’t be surprised there are lunatics everywhere. You, after all, were a young man during the 1960s. You know there’s a crazy “left” – you’ve seen it first hand.



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  • 447
    William Neumann says:

    As a retired gentleman and a cancer survivor, let me thank you for bringing me back to the world of science and truth. I am reviewing all the science courses I took nearly forty years ago and bringing myself up to date, and thanks to you, perhaps a science degree in my future. Please continue your recovery and perhaps I’ll see you the next time you are in Tulsa or Oklahoma City.



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  • 448
    scott forbes says:

    Dear Mr Dawkins,
    I just want to thank you for giving me so much joy for the last 20 odd years of my life, Your intellect, logic, writing, teaching and continuous striving to teach the rest of us about the fascinating & wonderful world & life. Hats off to you sir!
    Get well soon. x



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  • 452
    Phineas says:

    Since the audio appears to have vanished, does anyone know who Richard was referencing when he talked about all the things that the hand can do? I would like to use that in my science class.



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  • 454
    Karina says:

    my left arm was hurting, I was vomiting, & I rang the husband what should I do? he rang the ambulance, It was a heart attack, with the wonders of science I am alive, & science is keeping me alive, & my heart muscle was not damaged & I am fortunate, & so glad that you are too



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  • 455
    Mbee says:

    Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery. Science can do wonderful things to help us survive and live a good long life. You are an inspiration to us all.



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  • 457
    Henry Venetta says:

    Greetings from California, Richard. Your books changed the way I see the world. When I hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains I marvel at the complexity of the natural world. The red-barked Manzanita shrubs scattered among the granite rock and foraging black bear share a common ancestor. Amazing. Thank you.



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  • 459
    Iwona Żytkiewicz says:

    All the best wishes , Richard. Continue to spread scientific enlightenment, so many people still need it . You helped me see in a right way something I intuitively felt for a long time. For that I sincerely thank you!



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  • 462
    Connor says:

    Our whole purpose in being alive is so that the Universe can observe Itself, explore Itself, know Itself. We are the eyes, ears, etc of the Universe.

    There is a theory that long ago humans did not have individual egos, “heads with no backs to them” — merely masks. Now we have since developed separate egos and we can explore our own, individual psyches.

    Just as we have developed separate egos to explore our own inner selves, the Universe has created us and other sentient beings in order to explore and understand Itself. Our brains all together are the firing synapses of the mind of the Universe.

    Dr. Dawkins, thank you for continuing to be the Voice of the Universe, reminding all of us of our Purpose.



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  • 463
    Bruce Wilson says:

    I remember when I rediscovered you about 10 years ago. I was watching a video on youtube – I remember thinking before the video started that I wasn’t going to like it, thinking isn’t he that angry guy who I don’t agree with? I must have seen something on you when I was a child – back when I believed in imaginary characters like the tooth fairy, santa, god. I watched this youtube video and was mesmerised by your eloquence and poetry when talking about the natural world and evolution and wondered how I had totally misjudged you. I soon had a voracious appetite for all things Dawkins – I bought DVDs, The God Delusion, The Greatest Show on Earth and continued to trawl youtube for videos of you. And that is where you “introduced” me to the other three horsemen. One extremely well spoken, sharp witted, chain smoking member of this quartet could not help but grab my attention and off I was again, buying books and watching hours of videos of interviews and debates of the great Christopher Hitchens. I was half way through Hitch 22 when I and the rest of the world learned of his diagnosis. I wanted to get in contact with him to send him my best wishes but did not know how I could contact him directly. I wondered how these people (you included) get all this fan/hate mail sent to them – I couldn’t seem to find a way. (as an aside, your hate mail readings are brilliantly funny) It was a tweet you posted in December 2011 that alerted me to the fact I would never be able to wish Christopher well and that I would not see him in April the following year at the Atheist convention in Melbourne. I regretted that I never was able to send my well wishes to him and I don’t want to have that regret again. Your condition from all reports is far less life threatening thankfully, but I would like to wish you a speedy and full recovery. You may not ever read this, but thank you for the wonderful and fascinating work you have done and for the introduction to the other three horsemen. Get well soon. Oh, and p.s. – I am a fully functioning 40 year old who still has problems with buttons to this day!



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  • 464
    Andres Villarreal says:

    Hello, Richard, this is just one more “Get Well” card.

    I am truly happy to hear that it was a mild and recoverable stroke. So, take your time, change your lifestyle and have the fabulous life that the Gods (or lack thereof) have in store for you.



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  • 465
    ronkin says:

    Hi Profesor Dawkins

    I just wanted to say that I hope that in time you make a full recovery and will be able to continue with your essential work. Reading “The God Delusion” was life-changing for me. Thank you.



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  • 466
    v.k.appu says:

    Dear Sir Dawkins,

    I’m very sorry to hear about your ill health. Life is so terrible. Hope you will get better soon. Fight against ignorance by using your ‘Brief Candle In The Dark’.



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  • 467
    Bill Payne says:

    It says at the top, “Richard recorded the following message to update everyone on his condition”. What message? What am I doing wrong? There’s something there that says “Sound Cloud”. What’s that? Clicking it is futile.
    Anyway, hope you’re as fit as a Mallee bull Richard. Hope to see you in Australia extremely soon. Cheers. Bill. Melbourne



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  • 469
    Mr Alan John Bell says:

    One of the finest, greatest, kindest, most decent, intelligent and most honest gentlemen to have Ever lived on this Great Earth that he loves so much. Long Live Richard Dawkins! Get well and have a full recovery very soon. We Need you. All of us.



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  • 471
    Sebastian says:

    Dear Richard Dawkins
    it hurts to learn that you suffered a stroke. I wish you all the best for your recovery which I hope will be quick and complete.
    Thank you so much for your work and also for being so open. I admire your strength.
    Please forgive any mistakes in the English language I may have made.
    All the best from Munich/Bavaria
    Sebastian



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  • 472
    Melvin says:

    The great thinkers in intellectual history are those who teach the people not what to think but how to think using reason, evidence and the scientific method. You have helped advance these aspirations at the highest level of eloquent persuasiveness. I wish you a speedy recovery and peace of mind going forward. Don’t let the bastards get you down. Stay content in your integrity.



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  • 476
    Rick says:

    You are such a giant of a man, Richard. Not even this can slow you down.
    I wish you all the best; you have changed my life.
    Hoping you will be well enough to be at the Reason Rally in June, but only if it will help you to see all your adoring fans by the tens of thousands. You are one of a handful of the most influential people of our times. Thank you, and please rest up. I hope one day to meet you in person.



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  • 482
    andromeda42 says:

    Hope you get better soon Prof. Dawkins and do not worry about a few self righteous idiots who misconstrue your words. When they have had time to sit down and think they will realise their foolishness. The ones who do not are just fair weather friends who have no moral back bone.



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  • 484
    hali14syed says:

    Hi Richard,

    I am shocked to hear that you had a stroke. You are a great person. I am a big fan of your work. You always have said the truth and what you felt is right. I wish you a speedy recovery. We all need you. Please get well.
    NOTE: If some one having problems hearing Richard’s voice. Please change your browser. Try google chrome

    Ali



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  • 485
    marita indans says:

    Dear Professor Dawkins,
    I hope you make a speedy recovery and glad to know that you’re doing well at home now. I am looking forward to reading all of your books, starting with The God Delusion in a few weeks time together with a mountain of other books I need to read. I’ll be watching your documentaries too.
    Best wishes,
    Marita



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  • 486
    John Pollard says:

    Truly pleased you’re still with us… Best wishes on your recovery as I’m going through a bout of mental illness recovery across the pond in the US. Thanks for your writing and your gentle cadence reading the audible books. My childhood training was so bitterly religious that I now thank you for calming my unquiet bipolar mind. At University I received my Bachelor of Science the last group that employed the more eloquent term, botany, rather than the contemporary “plant biology.” A bit of silliness but I like simplicity, if it may be said in one word why say it in two? I’m confident as science soldiers through this dark age of religious war that we’ll eventually wake to a more humane future.

    All the best,
    John



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  • 487
    Logic beats Specualtion says:

    Adding to the collective conscience wishing you well sir.

    I admire you more than most all people I have ever known or known about.

    It saddens me the inevitability of mortality, it saddens me more when my role models face it directly.

    Peace be with you,

    I will always be proud of you and grateful of the knowledge you helped me understand.

    all my love as a true fan of all you have brought to reason and understanding of our existence.

    Take care.
    Get well.
    Keep kicking ass.

    😉
    .



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  • 488
    Niklas Larsson says:

    Richard,

    I read the God Delusion years ago (I was already a non-believer) and shared it with someone in doubt (now a proud and happy agnostic). You have a lot more to do, so, best wishes for a speedy recovery and I hope to see you back on the barricades soon :-).



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  • 489
    Mark Camilleri says:

    Been hearing a brief candle in the dark audiobook and it broke my heart to hear the difference in your voice here. Get well soon Professor!

    Flying in to UK from Malta with some colleagues with hopes of hearing you speak at the Oxford Literary Festival 🙂



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  • 491
    Lawrence Shaw says:

    Richard,
    You have clearly articulated many of the thoughts that I have had, but that I was unable to formulate myself. You have provided a great gift to many. Thank you for your commitment and generosity. I wish for you a speedy recovery.
    Larry Shaw



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  • 493
    Victoria says:

    The Bard is killed. The honor’s striver
    Fell, slandered by a gossip’s dread,
    With lead in breast and vengeful fire,
    Drooped with his ever-proud head.
    The Poet’s soul did not bear
    The shameful hurts of low breed,
    He fought against the worldly “faire,”
    Alone as always, … and is killed!
    He’s killed! What for are late orations
    Of useless praise; and weeps and moans,
    And gibberish of explanations? —
    The fate had brought her verdict on!
    Had not you first so hard maltreated
    His free and brave poetic gift,
    And, for your pleasure, fanned and fitted
    The fire that in ashes drifts?
    You may be happy … Those tortures
    Had broken his strength, at last:
    Like light, had failed the genius gorgeous;
    The sumptuous wreath had weathered fast.

    From Russia with love. Get well soon, Richard Dawkins.



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  • 494
    nash984954 says:

    So sad am I, as I only just heard of your last month malady. Thank you so much for the audio update, ProfD. I wish you the best for a give’m HELL and a hearty recovery. One of the last things the world needs is the loss of one of humanity’s great treasures, and bright and shiny givers of light.



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  • 496
    clipper808 says:

    Hello Richard from a person that is only a couple years older than you and very similar ideology, I was born in 1938 raised a Catholic was an altar boy had a minor encounter, I’m embarrassed to admit that I was 40 ys. old before I finally completely abandoned all religion. I also had a health problem that I was not aware of until I had my check up back in Nov and it was discovered that I had a-fib and the first words from doctor was you heading for a stroke, so I was immediately put on blood thinners which is the most important thing, and also heart regulator pills. I seem ok now but one never knows, only modern medicine will work I hope. Ron. ps maybe prayer?? NA! I’m with you all the way.



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  • 497
    akmal20may says:

    Richard – love your work and your spirit. You have been selfless and passionate in promoting reason and science and we need more of you. With great admiration and respect I wish you a full and speedy recovery.



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  • 498
    Randy says:

    You’ve engendered much respect and admiration from those of us that know your work. Please take care of yourself and recover soon. The fights not over and we need you at the helm.



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  • 499
    David Paulette says:

    Get well fast Richard, and take heart! Your work and performances with Hitch, Dennett, et al certainly won’t be forgotten, also here in Australia against the fascist Pell. You have set a great example of courageously serving the betterment of humanity and your deeds will echo and ripple through history yet to be written. You cannot know the full effects of your ventures, or how great their results.



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  • 500
    HarrieM says:

    Dear Richard,
    I hope you can take the time, needed to recover. It is very important you now think of your own health. It won’t be an easy time coming ahead, so don’t let your recovery be slowed down by distractions, like your agenda. Listen to your body and the ones close to you. I hope you recover soon. Miss you.



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  • 501
    DParker says:

    My very best wishes, Dr. Dawkins, for your full and complete recovery from this stroke and may you never have another one. Thank you for all you have done to enlighten me.



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  • 502
    Lieve Vanderwegen says:

    Dear prof. Dawkins, as I was reading “Brief candle in the dark” (Dutch translation), I was just “passing by” your website. (already missing the book, which stays at home during my work – but apparently the addiction to your words is stronger than myself) I was shocked to read about your condition (and at the same time glad that you kept your sense of humour). I hope, like so many others, that you will get well soon. Now, more than ever, we need people like you. Luckily, it’s not only genes that can spread hope for the future.
    So long, and thanks for all your books!
    Lieve (Belgium)



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  • 503
    GJNell says:

    Wishing you all the best Richard. Hope you recover soon and completely. We so desperately need minds like yours to keep the world within the bounds of reality. Regards Gerhard James Nell.



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  • 505
    Darach says:

    Get well soon Richard. The work that you do, giving a voice to Atheism,
    is so helpful to a better today for everybody on this planet.

    I don’t think I can put into words the appreciation I have for the fact that you put yourself out there, whilst taking all the criticism from religious people, and doing it so patiently and gracefully.

    You have earned some time off, but please get back out there when you can!

    You have changed more people’s lives then you will ever know.

    Darach



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  • 506
    LeeNLP says:

    Dear Dr. Dawkins- I felt saddened and worried to learn about your stroke, but am immensely glad that you seem to be on the mend.

    I just want to express my sincerest thanks for the powerful influence you have been in my personal intellectual and spiritual life odyssey. I still remember the moment, years ago, when I was reading your book Blind Watchmaker, and as I read the chapter “Making tracks through animal space”, and learned for the first time how it was possible to metaphorically view life on earth as a vector space (with genes as basis vectors), with all that entails, I began to get goose bumps (blessed vestigal characteristic!) and imagined that I could hear the opening chords of the music of 2001- A Space Odyssey. While I was slowly undergoing the loss of my religious faith and casting about for something to fill the emotional void, I was learning from you, Carl Sagan and others that there is a depth of wonder and beauty to the natural world, and to the pursuit of knowledge, which was completely up to the task. I learned that the time to “put away childish things” is a time for rejoicing, not regret.

    Thank you so much for this. Please do get better.

    All my best-

    Lee



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  • 507
    Ching says:

    I find tears in my eyes, I am not religious but now I just want to do pray for your quick recovery. am i stupid 🙁

    Professor Richard Dawkins is my favorite scientist although I have only watched a video about him for the first time two weeks ago (youtube is blocked in China). I am from an atheist background and for the past ten years have been searching for religion and spirituality mainly from Buddhism. most of my best friends are nuns and monks and although I appreciate some of the teaching of Buddhism I could never believe the superstitious part therefor I can’t really bridge the gap between me and my friends. Science has to be the best belief ever by human being, It could become a religion only less the manipulation and corruption of other religions.

    I consider myself 90% of atheist. the other 10% is still wondering: is there anything at all beyond science and physical, is there a secret of the universe? I want to keep my heart open. 🙂

    Could there be a scientific approach for spirituality? I wonder.

    Please get well soon, you are our hero.

    Ching.



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  • 508
    Robert says:

    Very sorry to hear about your stroke, Professor Dawkins. It gave me pause to imagine a world without people like you. I recently read An Appetite for Wonder, and was throughout reminded of your life-long dedication to science, education and humanity. You should be very proud of your achievements.

    When Christopher Hitchens died in 2011, I was shocked and profoundly moved. Our world lost such a bright light, such a fierce warrior, and such a powerful force for change; that is to say, for good. And the gift of having him on our side, for such a noble and enlightened cause, was taken from us far too soon.

    This is how I feel about you, Professor Dawkins. May you not be taken from us too soon. Hope all is well.



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  • 509
    Philip Blake says:

    I’ve just listened to your recording, you’re sounding very positive. I’ve enjoyed your books and listening to your lectures on You Tube, you’re an absolute inspiration. Get well soon Professor Dawkins



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  • 510
    Bryon Blaydes says:

    The body is a useful and powerful thing, also very fragile as you know better than most. The work that you do is valued by so many that it would be difficult to measure your positive impact on humanity. I certainly have enjoyed every moment that I have been able to spend listening to your lectures, interviews and debates, and would like to thank you.

    I respect the balanced nature and courtesy that you are able to maintain while dealing with individuals who are to put it nicely, difficult to communicate with and non-nonsensical. I have learned so much from your work, and look to you and your friends for expanding my understanding of the natural world and how to conduct myself as a scientist.

    How lucky we are to have you here.

    Get well sir, and thank you.



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  • 512
    crookedshoes says:

    Hey Crookedshoes, here.
    I used to love this site (still do, just a bit differently). I raged here when you were allowed to rage. I contributed more than daily…. hourly…. even minute by minute. i met so so so many awesome people and minds. i learned.
    I read insane tropes and sane poetry. Some of you folks were so important to me. None as important as Richard.

    There were a few times when Richard directly answered something I had posted and I’d run to my colleagues (in the Biology department) and boast and brag. I’d screen shot the conversation and send it to them. It was a huge part of my day.

    I’ve read his books. I’ve agreed with him. I’ve disagreed with him. I’ve always admired his mind and as a Biologist, he’s top notch. Now, I think very fondly of his persona and his courage disseminating his truth to the world. I’ve gotten so much from him. In times like these it is best to stay positive and simple.

    Sir, you are in my thoughts and I am heartened by the thought that very soon you will feel better..



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  • 513
    Moderator says:

    Crooked Shoes #513

    I raged here when you were allowed to rage.

    Lovely to see you back, Crooked Shoes. We’re sure there are many users who have missed you as much as we have. There was nothing in your contributions that would fall foul of the Terms of Use, either then or now, so there’s absolutely no obstacle to your taking part regularly again if you would like to. We’d be delighted to see you posting regularly again.

    The mods



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  • 515
    Julio C. JACOBO says:

    Dear Richard Dawkins,

    I have been following you for 10 years now. Now I am 58.
    I think I have been an atheist (and rationalist) all of my life. But you encouraged me to make it explicit, first to myself and then to all the other people.
    I was moved when I heard you saying things I had had in my mind from long ago. For example, when you referred to your reaction when, when you were a child, you learned that there were other religions too, and that it could not be that you had just “been born” within the right one. This also happened to me when I was a child, too.
    I was raised in a argentine, liberal and open minded family, moderately catholic, but very critical of the catholic church. And in spite of my parents being believers, they were strictly rational in all other matters, specially in their firm rejection of any kind of pseudo-science.

    I teach and do research at the Computer Science Department of the School of Natural and Exact Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires, and at this school there are quite a few followers of you.

    Listening to your speeches and to your interventions in debates, something I do regularly, means reaching an oasis of clear thought. It is a pleasure for the intellect.

    I know you have suffered a stroke, and this is the main reason of this letter. It has been with great joy and hope that I have listened to your words after this incident.

    You know how meaningful your life is for so many people around the world.
    I know that you will keep on fighting now more than ever.

    very best wishes for a fast recovery,
    Julio C. JACOBO



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  • 516
    Olivia Greenwood says:

    Dear Richard,

    I just found out about your stroke today, I know strokes take a while to recover from but you sound great already. Anyway, I always saw you as an eternally enthusiastic and passionate person, superheroish really. You fight the battles most people would run from, and you win! I love seeing you tackle some of these people; it’s entertaining, yes, but it’s also disheartening. Disheartening, because logic seems to be in short supply, no matter where you are. It’s going to sound strange, but it comforts me to know that you’re out there fighting for reason. I think that’s, perhaps, the reason I took the news so hard. Which is odd in itself because I very rarely feel empathy. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is, you mean a whole lot to me so please don’t go.

    Lets just pretend that what I said wasn’t weird, you know, because we don’t know each other.

    Wishing you all the health and happiness in the world,
    Olivia



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  • 517
    John Leonard says:

    Dear Richard,

    I was very sorry to hear about your stroke, I hope you’re recovering well.

    I’ve been a huge fan of your books, you are by far the clearest scientific writer I’ve encountered. You’ve fostered in me a lifelong interest in science which I find ever more fascinating the more I read. As a programmer, the Blind Watchmaker was one of my favourites – I used Genetic Algorithms in my dissertation many years ago, it’s still my favourite work to date!

    I was always a bit of an atheist so I didn’t have a massive conversion like some others have, but your writing helped solidify evidence-based reasoning for me and reject any wishy-washy concepts I had before. I’ve recommended and passed on your books to friends and they (nearly!) all had the same affinity for them as I do (you even converted a couple)!

    I’ve never written a fan mail before so apologies if this is a bit gushy! I just wanted to say thank you so much for all your work. For me you are on the same level as Attenborough for enlightening the world. I wanted to let you know you’re appreciated because who knows which of the many hells we’ll end up in the afterlife! 🙂

    All the best,
    John



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  • 518
    Koko says:

    Dear Prof. Dawkins,
    I hope you are feeling much better now. This planet needs people like you. I am sure you still have a lot to give.
    Thanks for all the great work you have done and thanks for not being afraid to speak up.
    Please take good care of your health…
    Best,



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  • 519
    James M Constantino says:

    I am a schizophrenic and an atheist, but brought up as a Christian, so I can say with all seriousness, go with God, treasure every moment the Lord allows you, love thy neighbor.

    Best Wishes,

    James M Constantino



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  • 521
    mrrolight says:

    Dear Richard,

    This is the third time you’ve incensed me. The first was in around 2001, when as a TV development producer I sent you an email requesting your involvement in a programme I was creating called “God In The Dock.” The idea was that we would use a court room scenario in a TV studio with advocacy for and against the existence of god and a jury of twelve good and true to evaluate the arguments. You were to be my lead barrister for the prosecution with an army of underling counsel. I was excited.

    But you politely declined, explaining your distrust of the jury system in matters of evaluating truth, and illustrating your point by sending me an article you’d written for The Telegraph (I think). The article spoke about the absurd nature of subjective human influence and persuasion when it comes to matters of fact, and by way of example, I can’t remember why, made reference to Tinbergen’s work on baby gulls pecking the red spots on their mothers’ beaks for regurgitated food.

    I was livid. I’d known about Tinbergen’s work. I’d known about the flawed jury system. But I also knew that with you on board the programme was as good as commissioned. And without you, well, personally I didn’t want to pursue the project. I remember saying to my boss, “A war isn’t a war without Churchill”. That night I went home and said to my wife, “Hey, guess what… I got an email from Richard Dawkins.” I didn’t really care about the programme. I just wanted to meet you.

    The second time I was incensed was when Nature, in around 2009, published a story about Tinbergen’s work being flawed. Damn you!

    And now this.

    Richard, as much as my never having met you galls me, the tirelessness of your efforts to promote reason, if it is at the expense of your health, galls me immeasurably more. You have become a living beacon for millions of people. And while you are alive you will shine. Put your health first and just be around. It’s going to be a long game and we will need you. Your body of work already towers aplenty. You’ve written all you need to write, and debated all you need to debate. It’s out there and you have a following. Being around just underlines it all.

    I know it’s against your nature, but be an ‘angel of your better nature’ and stick with us. We haven’t got that knighthood yet. Just imagine how much that will sting. The odd high profile appearance here and there will help. Just to let them know you’re still a mighty thorn in the side of unreason.

    Until now you’ve been shining bright. Now you must shine long.

    We all love you, dude. Please, please, please take good care.



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  • 522
    Odalrich says:

    I’ve just heard you had а stroke and I am very sorry about it
    I’m very glad it didn’t affect the brain functions.
    I wish and hope you get well as soon as possible. Take care of yourself.
    Greetings.



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  • 523
    Allan Jensen says:

    Dear Richard,

    I’m very sorry to hear of your medical challenges and relieved that you are on the path to betterment. As the pre-eminent voice of reason, we need you to soldier on for a very long time to come. I wish you a speedy recovery.

    Best regards,

    Allan H. Jensen



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  • 524
    Albert says:

    Dear Dr. Dawkins,
    I am distressed to hear of your stroke, but delighted to hear you’re on the mend. We in the scientific community and specifically in the life sciences community wish you a full recovery, though, as you will appreciate, we shall not be praying for such.



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  • 528
    Neville says:

    just a comment – I think that one of the obstacles which skeptics find too hard to overcome is our difficulty in comprehending the unimaginable length of time over which evolution has gradually played out, up to now.
    It is hard to imagine how different human civilization was 200 or 300 years ago and becomes even more difficult to get our heads around 2000 or 3000 years ago.
    Try to extrapolate that to 12,000 years ago and we already can’t really comprehend that amount of time.
    So, how much more difficult to understand how long ago 4 million years ago really is.
    And 65 million years ago.
    etc.



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  • 529
    Alis says:

    Dear Mr. Dawkins,
    You are very lucky, most of my patients suffering a stroke are not. They will have deficits, can’t speak, can’t reason, don’t remember things. I am glad you are recovering, keep your blood pressure in check! We would like to keep you around, for you are the voice of reason in a sea of insanity!
    Alis



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  • 531
    Adam Wager says:

    I would like to start this message by saying thank you sir. Thank you for your courage,honesty and devotion to science and the betterment of the human race. Because of you and others like you, the horrible dogma of religion is losing it’s grip on humanity,slowly,but steadily. Here,in the US there are shock waves spreading across the country and the people are starting to “wake up” . I have 2 daughters of ages 11 and 7 who are becoming interested in paleontology and physics without the destructive interference of faith and religion confusing them. This in in part due to the agnostic feelings of their mother and i refusing to allow religion to ruin their education and understanding of the world as it actually is,and,the positive influences of dedicated teachers such as yourself who are standing up against abusive,superstitious,and seriously outdated mythological concepts of the world that we have long outgrown..Again, Thank you so very much Mr Dawkins for being here in this world and making a difference. with warmest possible regards… Adam and Mary Wager , Florida,United States



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  • 533
    Warron says:

    Keep up the fight Mr Dawkins and take all the time you need! You have done some much for all out there and now it is time to concentrate a little bit more on yourself. Looking forward to hearing you speak again. Take care and thank you for everything!



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  • 534
    Tomtefar Kiul says:

    Dear Professor Dawkins, best wishes from my cosmology, theoretical physics class for your rapid recovery. And we hope that your family is doing well under these difficult times.
    Prof. J. van Luik



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  • 536
    Anne says:

    Please get well again soon Richard. The world needs you..Desperately. Don’t let the fanatical feminazis and their hate-mongering campaign bring you down.



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  • 538
    Rui Esteves says:

    Mr Dawkins,

    For some time I have been very much intrigued by the different vague beliefs and by the concrete belief (religion vs. truth/evidence) and I must say that the first time that I heard anyone that made real sense was some years ago.
    I saw/heard someone which made more sense than opening a mouth to speak or opening the eyes to see, that person was you and it changed the way I see life in a much more humble and correct way, and I have really opened my eyes to the beauty of the Word and how it evolved, and for that, I will always save you in my mind and in my heart!

    I hope you are doing better and please stay strong for your family and friends, and for all the other people in the world that admire and follow you.
    Get well and don’t forget that the world is not Ready to Loose you!

    Kind regards



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  • 539
    Keith Hill says:

    Richard,

    Though it may sound odd to you, I consider you to be one of the most spiritual people on the planet. That’s because I define spiritual as the ability to be in touch with and responsible to reality. This naturally means that most believers are not especially spiritual. Without knowing it, I have held this definition since I was 7 because though I was required to attend church, I found the whole business hypocritical. And that was before I even knew about the word hypocritical. What I observed was behavior among so-called Christians that did not accord with what they were supposed to have believed. And I have since come to understand that it is not “what people believe” that is the problem, it is the very act of believing itself that is the problem. From what I can tell, believing is a form of brain use that originates in the primitive or fear mode regions of the brain. This is why believers take it as an insult when their beliefs are criticized. The primitive brain views every form of attack as lethal threat. People who are spiritually developed use the higher regions of the brain to function on, which makes them difficult to insult. Spiritual people live happily in a state of not knowing, doubt, and knowing…states which create great anxiety for people who function on believing. The reason why is that knowing is extremely hard work, doubting makes one very unpopular, and not knowing is merely acknowledging no knowing and insisting on not believing as a substitute.

    You have made yourself a target for a lot of hatred from believers. And I suspect that if you switched your focus to convincing others to stop using belief and stop believing, the belief in God issue would largely take care of itself. That could only help your health concerns.

    For myself, I choose to believe nothing in order to avoid using the primitive brain. It means I have to do a lot of hard work thinking and reasoning through things that others zip right through because they function on belief. And if you think about the characteristics of belief, you will likely discover that belief is super fast (because the primitive brain needs to operate at an unthinking lightning speed), it needs to be easy (because thinking is actually hard work), and it needs to make the believer feel safe and secure (because the primitive brain is all about survival and believing is usually the result of the search for the absence of threat). If I can’t know something directly, I prefer to believe nothing or allow the thing to prove itself over time. Which, if it is important enough to warrant my attention, I will think about as reality requires it of me. And when reality requires me to think, I prefer to wonder about things and make observations rather than formulate something that could degrade into a belief.

    So I hope your voice returns to full strength and you are able to enlighten us with more of your thinking.

    Best regards,



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  • 540
    Mythoklast says:

    Dear Dr. Dawkins

    Here in Germany, Creationism is on the increase mainly for two reasons. One is that American ideas and customs tend to arrive here with a delay of five to ten years’ time. The other one lies in the influx of large numbers of refugees from the Near and Middle East, many of whom have a low level of education and are prone to Fundamentalism, anti-Semitism, Creationism etc.

    For this reason and to refresh my memory, I bought The Greatest Show 1), and as some questions arose I decided to have a look at your website in search of an answer. However, I was very concerned to read that you have suffered a stroke. Therefore, I decided to change tack and try to accelerate your recuperation with a new, revolutionary, grand, and hopefully amusing Theory of Evolution.

    In the course of my argumentation I will clearly demonstrate that your proposal of a Tree of Life is in error, and that the Animal Kingdom and the evolution of its members are to be interpreted in accordance with Aristotle’s vision of the Great Chain of Being, i.e. the organization of life on a Ladder from lower to higher organisms.

    The novel scheme I want to present to you was first proposed by the Dutch author Rudy Kousbroek 2) and is called the Aaibaarheidsfactor. In English I’ve christened it The Theory [sic] of Pettableness or, if you prefer Strokeability. All animals can easily be classified by this yardstick, and Evolution is certain to have taken place along these lines. So, nix hypothesis, the Aaibaarheidsfactor sprang to life as a full grown Theory – like Pallas Athene from Zeus’ (i.c. Kousbroek’s) head.

    At the lower end of the ladder, fishes are to be found, simply because of their watery environment, which is quite detrimental to stroking or petting. At the very bottom, one finds animals like oysters, jellyfish, piranhas and electric eels. Personally, I think the scale should be extended to include negative values for critters like amoebae, bacteria and viruses.

    Real trouble however, will break out regarding the top of the ladder 3), and I’m aware that outcry and great controversy will ensue because mankind will be dethroned, deposed, chucked down the ladder – no more King (or Queen if you like) of Creation. This position will now triumphantly be occupied by the most pettable, strokeable and generally amiable of animals, Felis silvestris catus aka the common housecat, a fact which is self-evident to all but the most demented and virulent cat haters.
    Populating the rungs between top and bottom of the Ladder is an exercise which I will gladly leave to you.

    Dear Professor Dawkins, I hope I’ve brought to you a moment’s mirth with my Grand Theory even though it is not yet a TOE (do you know it, the Holy Grail of physics: the grand Theory Of Everything? (Personally, I think this must designate God’s Toe that He severely stubbed on Emergence, but that’s another story.)
    I wish you all possible success on your arduous way to full recovery. I know this is an achievable goal because my sister in law has had a severe stroke and is, but for a negligible residue, fully recuperated.

    All the best and kind regards from sincerely yours
    Jan Willem Roberts

    PS
    Interestingly the Aaibaarheidsfactor has, after a slight mutation, become a widely recognized meme in Dutch society. The Aaibaarheidsfactor is indicative of people’s protectiveness of animals. In this sense, most people think that using apes or rabbits as laboratory animals is reprehensible but never give a thought to experiments with Fruit Flies.
    The meme has also come to mean likeable persons or gadgets [sic]. This means that for instance the iPad which is said to have a high factor of strokeability is universally popular. (I think this a bit smelly, and I do suspect that as usual, some marketing people are trying to hijack the meme.)

    PPS
    My own contribution to the Theory is that it might easily be extended to include the Plant Kingdom. Asparagus, for instance is much more strokeable than seaweed. Furthermore, if besides stroking and petting, hugging is added to the definition, we should in one fell swoop have all tree huggers on our side!

    *) In the German translation which is quite good, BTW. It’s just a pity that the title has been dis-ambiguated into ‘Die Schöpfungslüge’, meaning ‘The Creation Lie’ – the Marketeers at work again?

    **) Rudy Kousbroek, De Aaibaarheidsfactor. Published by Uitgeverij Thomas Rap. Amsterdam, 1969

    **) By the way, Terry Pratchett was convinced that the Theory of Evolution would have met with decidedly less opposition if Darwin had published his Descent of Man using instead the title ‘Sex* and the Ascent of Man’, thus combining two potent selling points in just six words.



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  • 541
    Alan4discussion says:

    Mythoklast #541
    Jun 30, 2016 at 9:21 am

    This position will now triumphantly be occupied by the most pettable, strokeable and generally amiable of animals, Felis silvestris catus aka the common housecat, a fact which is self-evident to all but the most demented and virulent cat haters.

    Sorry, but I think others got to this “theory” first!

    It is well known that dogs have owners and cats have staff! 🙂



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  • 544
    blackstreet23 says:

    I love you Richard! I hope you get better quickly. We need you many many years with us to spread science. You are one of my idols. I would be devastated if something bad happens to you :'(



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  • 545
    Frank Bottin says:

    From a truly inspired “Fan”, I wish Mr Dawkins a speedy and complete recovery in order to continue en-light the world with his unmistakable way of speaking a healthy and open view of our society (and its “tumor” of Religion). I have personally experienced a tremendous “mind growth” from his iterations and will be forever grateful!
    F.



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  • 546
    vrej says:

    Not only is the hand a wonderful tool like you were reading, but our bodies (all creatures) has pretty good ability to self repair. Too bad we don’t regrow our teeth. My teeth are in bad shape. Too bad we don’t regrow limbs and such like some creatures do, like the star fish. Luckily, I have all my limbs.
    I went through a rough patch for 4 years. I think it was dysautonomia (pounding heart, dizziness, feeling weird, nausea, etc) but luckily, I am much better this year. It is said that a portion of people with dysautonomia improve over the years.

    Chin up. Think positive. Love science.



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  • 553
    Leif Lohne says:

    Richard Dawkins – incarnation of the Enlightenment
    I hope you know how many People you have helped, aided and comforted through Your books, debates and research. I am proud to be an ateist and an antiteist.
    Richard Dawkins – incarnation of the Enlightenment.
    Thank you. Thank you.



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  • 555
    freded says:

    Richard, My very best wishes for the continued steady improvement in your medical condition. You do seem to be making progress judging by your latest recording. As a fellow alumnus of Chafyn Grove, though several years before you, I have always felt a certain kinship with you!
    May you go from strength to strength and soon be writing another book. You have verified to me that my atheism is indeed valid.
    Get well Soon!
    Mark



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  • 558
    Onur Turkey says:

    I have a special moment in my life, and it is when i free my mind with the Richard Dawkins documentaries. It was like i was in prison whole my life and get free after that special moment, words are insufficent to tell this. All this people are Richards seeds.



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  • 560
    Gokhan says:

    Right after I listened your voice message and learned about your stroke, I registered this web-page to make a comment to express how deeply concerned about your health condition. I send my best and sincere wishes to you to get better and stronger. Hopefully I never come across anything around such that related in person but I can imagine how exhausting and difficult it is. Get well soon and keep spreading your studies around the world since she needs you. Wish to meet with you in person and deliver a personal gift to you. All the best…

    Gokhan



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  • 562
    Monica Cooper says:

    My 20-year-old daughter at college informed me that you had had a stroke last year and I found myself full of fear and profoundly sad. I am a new member and am so very happy to have this place to wish you well and by now as full a recovery as possible. Know that many more people love you than dare say aloud. I was among them but now am glad to be rid of religion and am encouraging others to listen to you. Thank you for setting me free and saving the lives of my children from the cruelty of religion.
    So sincerely,
    Monica Cooper
    Seymour, Indiana



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  • 565
    Alan4discussion says:

    Lidia Bucur #565
    Mar 18, 2017 at 7:58 am

    “Dawkins is an atheist, and is well known for his criticism of creationism and intelligent design.”

    It is not late to change this.

    This site does try to promote science education to enlighten those who have been indoctrinated in the pseudoscience of creationism and ID!

    Hopefully with proper education they can change to begin to see the ridiculous contradictions of vast bodies of scientific evidence which uneducated mind-blocking fundamentalist indoctrination, confers on its followers!



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  • 566
    Garrick says:

    Lidia Bucur #565
    Mar 18, 2017 at 7:58 am
    . . . “Dawkins is an atheist, and is well known for his criticism of creationism and intelligent design.”
    It is not late to change this.
    Best Wishes !

    Lidia, I am sure Professor Dawkins appreciates your best wishes and your obvious concern not only for his physical health but also for his state of mind and soul.

    But are you suggesting that creationism and intelligent design are beyond criticism? It seems to me that any hypothesis, including these two, by its very character as a hypothesis requires criticism. In any case, you propose a change of mind without giving any indication why such a change should be made. Suggesting that a man who has dedicated his life’s work to scientific study and education should abandon that and adopt something based on religious superstitions and ancient mythology requires not just any reason but an extraordinarily good reason why this should be done. Of course there is in fact no such good reason. So, despite your good wishes, I find your suggestion quite dotty.



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  • 568
    j m says:

    Dear Mr. Dawkins, i hope you are feeling better and you have some good times left on our little planet. I am so thankful i came across you and your work. Not knowing for a long time I can say for sure you had a great impact on me and i can look forward to read your books and watch a lot of videos from you in the future. its great thinkers like you who really can teach and you have left a very impressive resumé for the world to grasp. thanks a lot and i wish you the best with greatest respect from germany!



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  • 569
    Liam Hanna says:

    Dear Prof Dawkins
    Late hearing of your stroke back in Feb…..trust you are recovering and recovering your good health, energy and vitality. Your contributions to, and leadership of, the world-wide endeavour to develop scientific and evidence-based cultures and rational acting secular societies is already of such quality and breadth as to rank you among the Champions of Humanity. As one of the ‘motes of dust’ in the Cosmos, I applaud and thank you for your tireless work for humanity in this regard. I trust that you have much more time to continue your work ….. so valued by all of us. Strength to your pure and noble mind.
    Liam Hanna (Australia)



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  • 570
    Dr. Klaus-Peter Kuenkele says:

    Dear Prof. Dawkins,
    Please don’t give up but remember the many examples of people who suffered from a stroke but recovered their abilities to a remarkable extent by practicing and thus perfectly managed their lifes. Your major skill is anyway your intellect and this didn’t suffer at all.
    So get well soon and don’t fear any future controversy! It’s always worth fighting for the truth.
    Klaus-Peter Künkele, Germany



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  • 572
    Micheal Lanz says:

    I cannot thank you enough for you have opened my mind and eyes to the truth about religion. It has taken 50 years for me to finally say “I’m an atheist” out loud. Get well soon
    P.S.
    You’re reaching more people than you think. 🙂



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  • 573
    speechresearcher says:

    There used to be on the Web a delightful account by King Mursili of his apparent stroke. This was the closest I could find.
    “The Hittite king Mursili II (r. about 1321-1295) had some kind of episodic aphasia or speech issue. Unfortunately, the text in which this is recorded is rather unclear about what the episode actually was (the exact wording as translated in Bryce or Van Der Hout’s article is little more specific than “the storm god made my mouth cease functioning”) and we are of course unable to investigate Mursili II’s pathology directly other than speculate that it was in some way linked to the enormous stresses Mursili was usually under. Now how he reacted to this is somewhat interesting. On the one hand, it was clearly a serious problem given the enormous ritual attempts of his to restore his speech recorded in “Mursili’s Aphasia”(CTH 486). On the other hand, he was obviously still able to continue ruling and remained an effective and forceful king.”
    So lots to look forward to, if you avoid the storm god.



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  • 574
    Steve Williams says:

    My father and I wish you a speedy recovery Dr. Dawkins.

    By the looks of the numerous replies here, I think you can afford yourself a pat on the back and a break from leading the revolt against indoctrination. You’ve done an incredible job opening the eyes of the blinded, world-wide. Though religion will never completely die (unfortunately), education (atheism) will always provide a guiding light for the deluded.



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