What do u think If it proves (as many researches revealed ) that our genes decide what we are (C detail )?

Question

If our genes decide what we are (..our characters..) , does it mean we are just more intelligent robots created by God ?

Should we fear that ==> we are not in control of our own choices. Our brains or our genes decide everything we will do in life. There would be no need for morality or knowing right from wrong because there would be no conscious choice.

And what should we do?

Nauman,

Our genes "not" only determine our physical characteristics.

Phil S,

How about extremes?

Answer 1

There is no god. Apparently some people have the gene to believe in that stuff. I do not. (laugh)

There will always be a need for morality as long as there are living things that can suffer. No discovery about genetics will persuade people who want to help other living things not to help, so that wont change either. And even if they were to determine that "character" is genetic, the indisputable fact is that environment can influence behavior. If they raise the fines for speeding to $10,000, for example, fewer people will speed. So while people's behavior may not be different because of their "character" in your hypothetical situation, it can still be modified by others for the sake of improving the world.

Answer 2

There are other factors besides genes which influence how and what an individual is going to be. Genes determine how we look, what diseases we are more likely to get, certain predispositions (like for alcohol, although I think the jury's still out on whether or not sexual preference is in your genes).
What about environment? Nutrition even (how about you are what you eat???)? Distant mother and overprotective father? Absent dad and smothering mother? Conceived in a test tube? (Pick your combo!) Where you come in the birth order in your family? Peer pressure? Media influence? The side of the bed you got up on this morning (and heaven help you if you sleep next to the wall)?
What should we do? Love whole-heartedly. Live in awareness. Don't worry, be happy (thank YOU, Bobby McFerrin!)

Answer 3

Knowing that you have a choice negates the idea that there is no conscious choice.
Our genes may give us a predisposition or determine 'what' we are but 'who' we are is dictated by the sum total of our lives.

Every experience, every stimulus has given a reaction and memory to draw from and an opinion to base future decisions on.
That is why identical twins can be such different people, though they have the exact same genes.

Answer 4

Yeah, but as you used the word God, you implied that you believe in him, and by thus believing in him, you probably believe in free-will also. Yes, everything could be planned and from the moment i was concieved i may have been pre-determined to type this to you. So who really knows, but i, by no means believe genes control everything. I think genes just give you a starting point, and from there, you decide what happens,

"Life is 10% what happens, and 90% how you react to it"-I don't know who said that quote, but i live by it.

Answer 5

Our genes only determine our physical characteristics. Each one of us is capable of learning knowledge, its upto us how much data we can put in our brains.

Answer 6

i think that our genes determine how we behave as humans but only to a certain extent. our upbringing and our desire for life is what develops our character. =)

Answer 7

our genes determine who we are our choices make us who we ultimately become. there is no good or evil that cannot be surpassed the the human spirit.

Answer 8

actually i wouldn't be surprised.