Nature vs Nurture

Ah, the age-old debate. Obviously, we are who we are because of the two working in tandem. It is not one or the other. However, I would like to expose which parts of a person are developed more by one or the other.

So, physically, you are based of the genes of your parents...your environment doesn't affect your looks. But wait! What about goths or muscular people? What do they have in common? Well they have both modified their original appearance into something more suitable for them. Is this a result of genetics? As in, did their biological make up have fate set out for them to wear make-up or be at the gym five times a week? Maybe that trait was passed down by their parents, but more likely, I think it is a result of their environment. Through socially accepted practices and pressures, they made those choices. Did heredity influence Pam An to get a boob job? Doubt it...who can resist the temptation of a handful of greenbacks in our wallet?

What about sports? Are pro athletes born into the Hall of Fame? Hmm...alternately, were musicians born to sell 50 million platinum records? This may take some investigation. Now may be a good time to mention the book The Outliers, by Malcolm Gladwell (Blink, Tipping Point). He conducted a study of success. How did the pros get to be the way they are? How did Bill Gates earn the wealth of a small country? Gladwell claims that luck plays a huge part. These successful people share something in common; opportunity. I wont reveal anymore, but I urge you to read the book. So, whats the conclusion? Well, ask yourself, was Gretzky born to be great or was it the fact that his parents had him skating before he could walk? Gladwell expounds a theory called the 10,000-hour Rule. It makes sense. Imagine you put down the controller and gave up MW2. All the hours spent playing video games could have been put toward painting or something. Even if you didn't have a natural talent for art, you must admit, you'd be pretty damn good with 10,000 hours of hard work.

Now again, is it possible to have a natural talent for art? I don't think so. BUT! People are born with varying degrees of creativity, so some may be predisposed to create art in many forms.

What have we decided? We can now postulate that we are born with certain traits and we will be attracted to the things that we are good at, thereby getting better. If we were born athletic then we will likely be raised in an active lifestyle because we enjoy that environment due to our proficiency in it. Our parents provided the foundation, and our environment dictated what activities we pursue.

For all we know, Chris Rock or Dane Cook's parents are not humorous at all, but I think they are guaranteed to have passed on the foundation for humor; an open and inquisitive mind.