Where Does Personality Derive From?

I enjoyed the connection to the novel/movie "Lord of the Flies." Great piece! However, I do believe that nurture has the most profound effect on our behavior. The twin studies that you mentioned above do show similarities in behavior between separated identical twins but it also points out how even with the same genetic make-up twins can be very, very different. There is no "correct answer" and this controversial topic will continue to foster debates.
Bethany Jaqua

I agree with you as well. I think that when we are young our genes are what first influence our behavior because we don't really have any connection to the environment around us, but as we continue to grow, the environment does play a part in who we are as well. Some parts of us (genetics) we can't help, it's what we were born with and have always known, like an ability to observe others and know how they are feeling. One of our parents may have been more observant, but than using that ability in one's environment may change our personality as well depending on if others like or dislike that ability. Either way it will always be there, its genetics and part of who one is, but due to environmental influences they may be able to show or hide it.

I loved the reference to "Lord of the Flies". It is a great example of the nature vs. nurture debate and explains it thoroughly. I also completely agree with your view of staying the middle on this debate and saying both have an effect. I believe we all have certain personality traits that stem from our genes, but how you are raised in a certain environment definitely seems to have an effect on your personality. Certain environments can bring out different personality traits, while others hinder them.

I read that book too, however I hated it but I can see the connection that you made. I agree with what you said and I feel that most people today would agree that both nature and nurture influece who we become

I think it was a good idea to compare the "Lord of the Flies" book with this debate. I also believe that the environment as well as our genes play a part in how we develop as individuals. The picture that you chose fits this debate perfectly, and I thought it was a really good picture to choose.

I completely agree with you on the nature vs nurture argument. I believe that noth nature and nurture play pivitol roles in shaping personality. Genes provide us with a base of personality traits for which we build upon as we mature. As babies we are in a constant state of observing and learning even though we are unconcious of it. Everything we see as small children shapes what we think is right and wrong. If we repeatedly see actions when we are younger we are more likely to do them as we grow up. In this way our environment has a huge role in how our personalitites are formed because we are more likely to do the things that we see and hear as we grow up

I really liked this post, especially the connection you made to the Lord of the Flies. Like you, I think that both nature and nurture have an influence on our behavior. I just wonder if our personalities will influence how we react to the nature and nurture elements. For instance, two siblings that were raised the same way but maybe one child is a good student in school while the other just refuses to do their homework. What would affect this behavior?