Genes and Environment

Inherited genes are considered to be the largest contributing factor in how people
successfully stand up to challenges and influences of their social and natural
environment. Genes are to a large extent responsible for physical appearance,
psychological traits, inclinations and habits. On the other side, the way a person is treated
by their surroundings also shapes their views on life and other people. The external
environment affects the development of social skills, behavioral traits, controlled
preferences, social beliefs, imposed cultures, and other traits. Thus, the question about
which of these two factors is the most significant for individuals development remains
debated.
Among the environmental factors which can shape and influence a persons general view
and perception of life are: family support, peer pressure, educational background,
engagement in hobbies, and successful career growth. These factors influence a person in
terms of a stable personality and enhanced emotional security. A person can react or act
against their external environment based on whether they see certain actions as
acceptable or unacceptable in a particular surrounding. Aggressiveness, in its turn, can be
caused by family problems, peer pressure, stress at work, and other personal concerns.
Intelligence quotients (IQ), special skills/attributes, physical appearance, physical
strength, health conditions, and natural abilities, and talents are factors that are inherited
through genes. A person gifted with such positive genes as high IQ, pleasant personality
traits, or an attractive physical appearance can have better chances of being successful in
the long run than a person with the genes of a low IQ, unpleasing personality traits, and a
short height. According to science correspondent Macrae Fiona (2012), genes can
influence a persons self-esteem, perseverance, direction, and social personality.
However, the way a person was brought up by their family can also affect how they
manage the given natural attributes. An attractive-looking and intelligent individual can
still become or feel miserable and depressed despite their positive inherited traits. This
may happen due to a lack of parental support, emotional support in early childhood,
humiliation at school, or any circumstance that delivers a lack of aid. The same refers to
individuals who have not been granted with high intellectual capabilities or a pleasant
appearance; they can become incredibly successful and appreciated due to other traits:
perseverance, hard work, personal charisma, or sophisticated manners and behavior.
The environment in which a person is meant to develop and shape their potential abilities
can be considered an important factor of forming discipline, moral values, and personal
development. According to a study conducted by Professor Mark T. Greenberg (2003),
developing processes and systems within schools in order to enhance potential and reduce
psychological difficulties of children can become a helpful tool in decreasing the number
of children with immature development, psychological problems, and social difficulties.

Genes and environment are two important factors that affect an individuals future, the
quality of their life and relationships with surrounding people. Though debates are held
about which of these two factors is prevailing in forming ones personality, it can be said
that they are both equally important for ones development. Genes determine ones
possibilities, traits, and skills. It does not mean that a person who has an IQ-gene will
become a genius though. It is the environment, the parental and emotional support, as
well as relationships with the society that determine whether these abilities and skills will
flourish and develop. An individual with beneficial genes has the same chances to
become depressed and miserable as the one with bad genes. Therefore, both genes and
environment are crucial for an individuals balanced development.
References
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