A research shown that our DNA goes far in determining whether we are .... (see detail )?

Question

In the book "Born That Way" by William Wright, it says that:

"A research of the last five decades shown that our DNA goes far in determining whether we are happy or morose, passive or aggresive, bright or dim, liberal or consrvatice, religious or materialistic."

What do you think?

Answer 1

It does. However, our environment, up-bringing, and experience ultimately put the finishing touches on our character.

Answer 2

From the readings I've done in psychobiology, I would tend to agree. But notice the qualifier: "goes far," not "determines." It's clear that certain of our behaviors are hard-wired (e.g. male aggression, female nurturing, to oversimplify). In other cases, I suspect our DNA gives us a tendency to develop in a certain direction - but nurture plays a significant role as well. In answering another question today, I mentioned the evolutionary advantage of "cheating" for both genders - a behavior that has a payback, but that acculturization prevents more than half of us from executing. I'm also convinced that free will, i.e. deliberate choices that we make irrespective of culture, can and do change behaviors. For instance...I used to be a doormat. I didn't like myself that way. I made a point of observing assertive people and modeling my behavior on theirs. The result? Today I'm QUITE assertive, thank you very much (she said emphatically). Like the other higher primates, human beings are great copiers and fast learners!

So, to answer your question? Well, yes and no....
;-)

Answer 3

Hmmm, I don't agree. Nature versus nurture, that's the debate, right? Social factors are not genetic ones, as far as I know.

So, my grandparents were pious Catholics, and I am an atheist Satanist. How the Hell do I come to exist?

No, these things aren't gene-related. And that's what I'll think until I get proof otherwise. But interesting topic.

Answer 4

i say thanks for the two points cause well yeah dna the map to the body