Nature vs Nurture: A Character Analysis

For decades psychologists have been studying the origins of personality traits, talents, and other such aspects of human beings. Working to find the divide between genetically inherited traits, or environmentally triggered traits, scientists from both sides have debated the issue for years. The theory itself proposes the question of whether human nature is determined by genetics, or by environment. This, meaning, do human beings act or react the way the do because of biological reasons, or do their actions and reactions change according to their environment.

In order to enhance my personal understanding of the 'Nature versus Nurture' debate, I must find an example on which to observe and base my findings. The most practical of examples would be myself, for only I truly understand the environment I come from and the effects of the genetic traits I possess. One trait that I find particularly fascinating is my interested in the subjects of English and social sciences. The reason why I choose to focus on this particular aspect of my personality is because it is so alien from that of my parents, neither of which show any particular interest in the two subjects. My father is a nuclear physicist and my mother, a biologist. With both my parents in the field of science I would expect then to be inclined to that area of academia if this trait were truly genetic. I must conclude than, to say that my interest in English and social sciences and my weaknesses in math and biology are results of my environment and not of biological inheritance. Having been raised in an atmosphere conducive to expanding ones intellectually and analytical capacity, my own personality was, from a young age, molded to fit that realm or method of thought.

Another characteristic of my personality that surfaces within my entire family, is my ambition. I believe that my desire to succeed and to challenge myself is something that I have been conditioned for. Both my parents serve as examples of hard work, dedication, and aspiring for high goals. Because of their example, I have grown up trying to attain the same level of ambition. This is not only with me, but with my siblings as well. Engulfed in the need to establish ourselves and do the best we can do, my family has created an atmosphere, which hopefully, caters to success. Some may argue that this trait is genetic simply because it is prominent within all members of my family, but I believe that this type of characteristic is based on environment because its strength is found in the heart, not merely the mind.

Often times I sit back and ponder my own insecurities, one of which is my constant forgetfulness. I think to myself, wondering why I am much more likely to forget things than other people. I know for a fact that this characteristic is not genetic because it is definitely not inherent in either of my parents, nor is it in any one of my siblings. Thus, I have, upon further analysis, come to a conclusion regarding my forgetfulness. Personally, I believe this trait is purely a result of nurture, Being the youngest of five siblings I was never the one who was responsible for anyone or anything else, not when I was four or five, and even not now that I am 17. I am, and always will be the baby in my family. As such, my relatives continue to look upon me as the "little one" and as a result I've escaped much of the responsibility that my older siblings have to take on. My forgetfulness, than, I believe is merely an extension of this. I was nurtured as the youngest child, and as such, I was never asked to keep track of things or remember things, and as a consequence I never truly picked up on having to remember or keep track of things.

Regardless of my personally outlook on whether my characteristics are results of nature of nurture, the decades long debate continues still today. Scientists all over the world continue to study which of the two effect human behavior, or even if the two work together and complement the other. This study is likely to continue through the years as new questions spring from new found conclusions in the ever changing and growing realm of psychology.