Nature and Nurture: The Uniquely Human Combination - Essay Sample

Introduction

All humans are different in numerous ways as humanity is the most sophisticated yet perfect system in the world. However, our differences can be attributed to the combined factor of nature and nurture. Nature can be identified as the genetic makeup, while nurture can be identified as the environment within which an individual is brought up (Ferrante, 2015). The contribution of both factors facilitates the development of different characteristics beliefs as well as values which shape people to become who they are today. For instance, the genetics of a person helps them to identify their strengths or weaknesses while the environment helps them to develop their strengths while at the same time, develop values and beliefs that shape their characters. The environment includes parents, peers, the media, as well as the religion we may choose to follow. We have unique abilities while at the same time, the way the society has raised us plays a critical role in the people we become. Therefore, to identify what makes me who I am, it is imperative that I understand how both my genetics as well as my environment help to shape me into the person I am today.

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Genetics

According to Harper (2019), the genes within a species are the same. However, the biological theories of personality recognize that the differences in the structure of the genetics, neurotransmitters, as well as the central nervous system, contribute to the difference in character. Thus, the differences in characteristics are due to the difference in the regulation of genes produced by our bodies. This notion may be true as there are people who are naturally better than others when it comes to universal activities such as learning mathematics. Although I was good at mathematics, I had to work hard to earn better grades, unlike my friend, who was naturally good at the subject and did not have to work half as hard.

The genetics of a person may also contribute to the unique talents which some people have, for instance, Cherry (2019) indicated that the ability to detect a perfect pitch runs in the family and is influenced by a specific gene. This notion may shed light on the reason why some people are good singers, while others like myself cannot sing. The structure of the genes differs from one individual to another, thus fostering the notion that the genes we inherit from our families contribute to the different and unique abilities and strengths we develop. I can draw and create unique art. This ability was inborn and is very easy to improve, unlike learning mathematics, which required considerable effort. Therefore, our unique abilities may be as a result of the genes we inherit from our ancestors.

Environment

The environment plays a vital role in who I have become since the environment in which I live helps me to develop characteristics and values that contribute to my identity and personality. The environment comprises of my parents, peers, the religion I follow as well as the influence of the media. These aspects of the environment help to facilitate my identity through the values and characteristics that I learn from society. Society facilitates conditions for acceptance and inclusion as one of their members. My character has been greatly influenced by my parents, friends, the media, as well as my religion.

My parents have had the most considerable influence on the development of my identity. The presence of both parents in my life has helped me to learn the importance of a family. According to Ferrante (2015), the family teaches its members about the world they live in and how to respond to the world. Furthermore, my parents have nurtured me to understand that I can always count on their support or assistance in whatever I want to pursue. This lesson has helped me to develop great confidence in myself and my parents as I believe that they have given me enough strength and values to face any challenges that may arise. Additionally, my parents have taught me right from wrong, which helps me in my decision-making. From my parents, I have also learned how to interact with other individuals through the development of language and etiquette. Kaufman (2008) noted that a child needs to be raised in any kind of family to develop the ability to speak a language. Therefore, as a result of my parents raising me and teaching me the ways of the society we live in, I have become an honest, confident, and independent person.

My friends also have an essential role in the development of my personality. Aside from my parents, I also look to my friends for support, advice as well as company since I am a social being. Ferrante (2015) identified a peer group as members who belong to the same age group and share similar activities such as students. My friends influence my preferences in the activities that I take part in as well as the areas I choose to pursue. Without my friends in my life, I would not be the person that I am today as my friends bring immense joy and happiness in the simple activities that we choose to partake.

The media has also played a vital role in the person that I have become. In the current society, the majority of the people are defined by how they dress or behave in public due to the comments people make on television and radio, in books as well as magazines. These comments have an impact on me as they influence how I should dress, act as well as eat to be accepted into society and by my peers.

My religion also influences the person that I am today due to the teachings and values it incorporates into my life. Religion also included the importance of morality in my actions such that I am aware that even though my actions may not be legally wrong, I have to consider the moral impact of my actions. Moreover, religion has also opened up my mind to the notion of empathy such that I should also consider those who did not get a comfortable life as compared to mine. In turn, I can be able to help other people that need my help. Thus, religion has helped me develop my spiritual identity, which in turn becomes part of who I am.

Conclusion

I think that everyone is unique for their strengths, abilities, the environment that they have been raised as well as the choices they make all their lives. Both nature and nurture have played a significant role in the person that I have become. Through nature, I have developed genetics that has helped me to develop unique talents such as art and drawing, which made it easier for me to learn art. On the other hand, nurture has enabled me to develop characteristics such as honesty, confidence, empathy, and independence that help m to become the person that I am today. I love my life, and I do not regret anything that I have learned in life, and I am eager to learn more from life to shape me into the person I am meant to be in future.

References

Cherry, K. (2019, July 1). The Age-Old Debate of Nature vs. Nurture. Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-nature-versus-nurture-2795392

Ferrante, J. (2015). Seeing Sociology: An Introduction. Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

Harper, H. (2019, March 29). Nature vs. nurture: how does our personality develop? Retrieved from https://www.workstyle.io/how-personality-develops

Kaufman, S. B. (2008, October 24). What Makes Us Who We Are? Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/beautiful-minds/200810/what-makes-us-who-we-are