[Deep Thoughts] Nature or Nurture

[Kyle]

Is human nature constant or is it molded by culture? Can human nature be completely changed by culture or society?

[Mike]

[WillyGilligan]

Human nature is certainly not constant. We've had a major reduction in crime that is linkable to the simple fact that we've reduced human lead exposure over the last several decades.

But then again, twin studies show that twins separated at birth tend to have a lot of similarities that crossover the different upbringings.

Six of one, half a dozed of the other?

[Zen]

I fall pretty squarely on the nurture side, with a healthy amount of natural guidance.

I think that there are some aspects of human nature that are determined, for lack of a better term, genetically. However, I also think that culture has a huge impact.

All you need to do is look at the difference between the behavior of individuals who are raised in different cultural traditions to really see it. Take your traditional western, individualist culture vs. the eastern, collectivist culture as an example. You will find drastic differences in behavior patterns and beliefs. This is one of the major stumbling blocks to really understanding other cultures. People look at them through the lens of their own culture and fail to grasp that they ARE truly different. They look at a culture where people seem to be repressed, from the western perspective, where everyone conforms to to the societal norm and see something authoritarian and oppressive.

Meanwhile, they look at the individualistic western culture from their eastern perspective and see a lack of structure, lack of proper respect, and people who are rude and immature, regardless of how talented or brilliant they might be.

If all was determined by our genes, these kind of differences wouldn't occur.

[Iantha]

[Phoebe]

[Iantha]

[El Jefe]

There's wudder up on the ruff from when it dunnervetted earlier.

[Phoebe]

So, true fact: whatever weirdness is happening here with pillow is the direct influence of the "Pennsylvania Dutch" as filtered through a wander across the Midwest (i.e. the "warsh" of Missouri got thrown in too).

Everyone in the house says roof like too with an f on it, except for me AND the dog who both pronounce it in the same way vaguely but not quite rhyming with look. Not "ruff" like a ruffle, but definitely not roof with a long oo sound. I get that this ain't right and try to force myself to say roof, but the other one comes out Naturally. And yet Nurture wrought it.