Nature vs Nurture - how do we become who we are?

[foma]

I agree with you on behavior change ... my husband has a history of addiction in his family (nature) but anything that may be perceived as addictive behavior, he pretty much avoids ie drinking, gambling ... he kinda spends a lot of money but since we've been married, I control the finances so he only spends what I let him get!

[jman301]

I must concede that I believe both nature and nurture influence who or what one is. But I also believe that who you are is more of a decision you make, which has an impact far greater than nature or nurture. But there are some who decide to NOT decide and let instincts rule. Or maybe they're just oblivious. YOU decide who YOU are in the end. But that's just my opinion.

[alicejb]

Originally Posted by foma

I took a psychology class my senior year of high school and one of the topic we discussed was nature versus nurture. Are we who we are because the environment affects how we turn out (nurture) or are we born who we are (nurture)? My personal belief is that it is both. Our personality is innate to an extent and then molded by the environment.

So what do you think?

I got by with a hellava lot of nurture (i.e. innate personality). Thank God!!