Nature vs. Nurture: Solved

This story was originally covered by PRI’s The Takeaway. For more, listen to the audio above.

The argument over nature vs. nurture in human development is “pretty much over,” according to science journalist Hannah Holmes. In her new book, Quirk: Brain Science Makes Sense of Your Peculiar Personality, Holmes writes that from the moment you’re born, “you’re pretty much who you’re going to be for the rest of your life.”

“There is some effect of your environment on your personality,” Holmes told PRI’s The Takeaway, “but it’s not as great as scientists used to think.” A full half of personality is determined by genes, according to Holmes, and the other half can be influenced by the first. For example, outgoing people will seek outgoing environments from a very young age. Holmes says, “you seek out the environment that suits your personality”

That’s not to say that a person can’t change their personalities, however. Research is proving that people’s brains actually do change throughout the course of their lifetimes. Activities like meditation can have a real effect on people’s personalities, according to Holmes.

“There are a million ways that you can alter the behavior that flows forth from your personality,” Holmes says. “That’s a lot easier than actually altering your personality.”

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“The Takeaway” is a national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH.