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Nature Via Nurture
336 pages, 2003
In Genome, bestselling author Matt Ridley brought genetics down to earth with a riveting account of the human genetic code. Now he peers beneath the skin to explore with equal force and imagination how genes determine much of what we are: our physical selves, our emotional selves, and our social selves.
We inherit not just a genome, but a full complement of behavior and character from our parents and from the world around us. In the same gene pool that gives us violence, jealousy, and depression also lurk resilience, empathy, and cooperation.
In Nature Via Nurture, Matt Ridley explores the fascinating relationship between our genes and our environment. He argues that our genes are not our destiny, but rather, they interact with our environment in complex ways to shape who we are.
Ridley emphasizes the importance of experience in shaping our behavior and personality. He suggests that our experiences can even influence the way our genes work. So, it's not just about what you're born with, but also what you experience in life.
The book takes a deep look into the complexity of human behavior. Ridley argues that it's not just nature or nurture, but a combination of both that determines our behavior. This means that our actions and decisions are influenced by both our genetic makeup and our life experiences.
Ridley highlights the power of adaptation in his book. He explains that our genes can adapt to our environment, and this adaptation can influence our behavior. This shows that we are not just products of our genes, but also of our ability to adapt to different situations.
In Nature Via Nurture, Ridley also explores the influence of culture on our behavior. He suggests that our culture can shape our genes in the same way our genes can shape our culture. This means that our cultural experiences can have a profound impact on who we are and how we behave.
