I'm not referring to your physical appearance. I'm asking about your personality. Do you think that you had no choice whatsoever in becoming that way? are shy people born shy, are annoying people born annoying, and can they not help the way they are?
i think some of it is genetics/biological , but most of it is choice, thank you
2007-10-29 13:50:04 · 28 answers · asked by uh ohhh 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I believe what the Bible says, that we have a free will, but as for our thoughts and emotions, God directs our heart and mind whichever way he pleases (who knows how). With our will we act on the thoughts and emotions we have, and so what we do we are responsible for.
2007-10-29 23:27:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
the old nature vs nurture contraversy. Ya, we'll solve that one today.
Genetics has a lot to do with it, they know this from studies of twin raised apart, among other things
Upbringing (nurture) also has a lot to do with it. If you are raised by an alcoholic abusive single parent in a ghetto, you will likely turn out differently than if you raised by 2 parents in your typical middle class home
I don't think "choice" has a large role to play in personality. I didn't choose to be the way I am, if I could choose, then there are things about my personality I would change.
2007-10-29 20:55:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think everything is in everybody's head (meaning they have a choice to be who ever they want to be, personality wise anyway). A shy person can "come out of their shell" at any time they decide they are tired of being shy (I'm a prime example of this). A bully can turn out to be a nice guy...if he wanted to change his ways.
However...
I find it amazing that I can pick up some sort of detailed horoscope book, look up my exact date and time of birth and it give me an EXACT personality profile of me. I guess this would explain the history of the term "it's just his nature".
2007-10-29 21:01:20 · answer #3 · answered by jninjacash31 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think it's the reverse- most is genetic. I had to fight for years to overcome shyness and won the battle the day I realized everyone else was as scared as I. My fears ceased, so now I am not shy and I can see through the bluffing of the fearful bullies.
2007-10-29 21:01:22 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I think personalities are a combination of nature and nurture.
I know for a fact that my personality has altered many times throughout my life in response to my experiences and insights. I have some very standard traits like being gregarious and outspoken (sometime too outspoken, haha) from when I was in the Army (standard because I have carried them with me since), when before I was in the Army I was quite shy.
I also have traits of my paternal father, whom I was not around while growing up. I have his temper and propensity for addiction, but I am also emotional somewhat accepting like my mother, who raised me.
Nature or nurture? Who knows? I just know that I really like being me.
2007-10-29 20:57:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most of it is choice. We can choose when we are annoying. We have a brain and can use it. I am shy, sometimes it takes work but I can overcome it. I can be mean or bite my tongue. Let's face it, most of our behaviour is learnt. If it wasn't we would never get potty trained.
2007-10-29 20:55:09 · answer #6 · answered by PROBLEM 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you that it is a fraction of both, but i think that the way you are raised has a bigger bearing on it. For instance, even though i didn't really want to be high strung, with a short temper like my dad, i turned out to have the same short temper and his impatience as well....i look up to my dad, but always told people those are the parts i don't want, but now that i'm grown, i see that i'm just like him...product of my environment.
2007-10-29 20:54:02 · answer #7 · answered by big stan 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No.
I was born shy and calm
I am outrageous and i speak my mind.
I had to work on it though. when i was younger i was TERRIFIED of oral presentations, now I'll go in front of the class for any reason. People think I'm funny, so it's all cool with me.
For the genetics/biology part your thinking of cell memory (parents are smart, child smart) i think personality is developed and not inherited.
2007-10-29 21:00:28 · answer #8 · answered by stefany 1 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Read "The Blank Slate" by Steven Pinker.
2007-10-29 21:00:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has been proven that personality is formed in the first 3 years of life.
2007-10-29 20:52:35 · answer #10 · answered by gumby 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋