What is it that determines our behaviour? Is it heredity? Or is it environment? In days gone by people looked very carefully at family background before agreeing to a marriage. They believed that “bad traits” could be inherited, and would avoid those whose relatives had criminal tendencies or a history of madness.

 

In the “enlightened” 60’s and 70’s we laughed at such beliefs and labeled them superstitious and misguided. There was a widespread belief that environment was the principal determinant of behaviour, and an optimistic view that we could shape children’s behaviour with education. It was that climate of opinion that produced such programs as “Sesame Street.”

 

Now the wheel has come full circle. A recent study indicates that genetics determines at least 40% of our behaviour:

 

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/mp/5108465/blame-genes-40-behaviour/

 

One thing is still certain. The first seven years of life are the most significant for shaping future behaviour. The Jesuits have a saying: “Give me a child until he is seven, and I will show you the man.” Nature?  Nurture? They are BOTH important. Maybe in the future we’ll be looking more seriously at potential partner’s families all over again!