24th
I get into a lot of arguments with people on the topic of Nature vs. Nurture. More specifically, how much of who you are is the result of genetics and how much is based on your experiences. While I don’t in any way believe that genetics doesn’t play a huge part in guiding people through their lives, I am an extremely strong proponent that we are more the result of the life we’ve lived. Maybe it’s just the optimist in me, but I feel like people who just accept that we are who we are because of genetics are just defeatists and have already surrendered because they believe they have no control. Sure, this is probably getting into a whole Free-Will/Pre-determinist area, but I’m continually amazed at how many people put so much weight on nature. Just because you Father is an alcoholic, doesn’t mean you will be too. Sure, you have a greater chance of it, and some of that reasoning is absolutely genetic, but the biggest factor, in my opinion, is because of habits passed from person to person. We learn by experience. Our own habits are formed from the world around us.
Laura?