"The Interplay of Nature and Nurture: Shaping Human Development and Identity"
The debate on the relative contributions of nature and nurture to human development is a
complex and multifaceted one, with no definitive answer. Both nature (genetic and biological
factors) and nurture (environmental experiences) play significant roles in shaping who we are.
However, determining the exact percentage each contributes to our overall development is
difficult, as it varies from person to person and is influenced by a myriad of factors. In this essay,
I will explore the concept of nature and nurture, provide examples, and discuss my personal
experiences to defend my opinion on the matter.
Nature, in the context of human development, refers to the genetic and biological factors that
are inherited from our parents. These factors can influence various aspects of our lives, including
physical traits, cognitive abilities, and even personality traits. For instance, research has shown
that certain genes are linked to mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety,
indicating that there is a genetic predisposition to these disorders. Additionally, intelligence is
believed to have a genetic component, with studies suggesting that heritability estimates for IQ
range from 40% to 80% .
On the other hand, nurture refers to the environmental factors that influence our development,
such as upbringing, education, and social experiences. These factors can also have a profound
impact on our lives. For example, a supportive and nurturing environment during childhood can
lead to better mental health outcomes in adulthood. Moreover, access to quality education and
opportunities can significantly impact an individual's cognitive development and career success.
Nature and nurture, two powerful forces that shape the essence of who we are as individuals,
have long been debated in psychology and philosophy. While nature refers to our genetic
inheritance, nurture encompasses the environmental influences that mold our character and
behavior. Reflecting on my own life experiences, I believe that approximately 60% of who I am
has been influenced by nurture, with the remaining 40% attributed to nature.
In terms of nature, there are certain innate traits and abilities that seem to have been inherited
from my parents. My father's athleticism, evident in his prowess as a basketball player, likely
influenced my own sporting abilities. Although I chose a different sport, volleyball, I excelled in
it, participating in various teams and earning numerous gold medals and championships.
Additionally, I attribute some of my intelligence to the genetic inheritance from both my parents,
which afforded me the opportunity to study at prestigious institutions like the University of the
Philippines Los Baños. Moreover, I believe I inherited my calm demeanor and singing prowess
from my mother, traits that appear to run in our family lineage.
However, the majority of my characteristics and behaviors can be attributed to nurture, shaped
by the environment and experiences that surrounded me throughout my upbringing. One
significant aspect of nurture is evident in my social interactions during childhood. I gravitated
towards friendships with shy or introverted individuals, likely influenced by the personalities of
my peers. Despite my parents' outgoing nature, I developed a quieter demeanor, possibly due to
spending a significant amount of time alone during my childhood while they were occupied with
work. This solitude allowed me to develop introspective tendencies and a preference for peaceful
environments.
Moreover, my grandmother (Lola) played a pivotal role in shaping my values, beliefs, and
social behaviors. She imparted invaluable life lessons, teaching me the importance of respect for
elders, social etiquette, and kindness towards others. However, not all her influences were
positive; she introduced me to gambling at a young age, a habit I picked up from accompanying
her to gambling sites in our community. Despite its negative connotations, this experience
underscores the significant impact of familial relationships and cultural practices on shaping
behavior.
Additionally, my grandparents instilled in me a sense of optimism and resilience, despite
facing adversity. Witnessing my grandfather's optimistic outlook despite battling a severe illness
left a lasting impression on me, inspiring me to approach life's challenges with positivity and
determination. Furthermore, my strong work ethic and time management skills can be attributed
to the nurturing environment of the educational institutions I attended. Being surrounded by
peers who valued diligence, perseverance, and competition fostered a sense of discipline and
ambition within me from a young age.
Furthermore, my mental well-being and independence are also products of nurturing
influences. Growing up in a supportive and happy household contributed to my good mental
health, instilling in me a sense of stability and security. Additionally, being taught essential life
skills such as cooking, household chores, and financial management from a young age fostered
my independence and self-reliance.
In conclusion, while genetic inheritance undoubtedly plays a role in shaping certain traits and
abilities, the majority of my identity and behavior can be attributed to nurture. The nurturing
influences of my environment, including familial relationships, social interactions, cultural
practices, and educational experiences, have played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. By
acknowledging the interplay between nature and nurture, we gain a deeper understanding of the
multifaceted forces that shape human development and behavior.
