Is it genes or environment, ancestors or teachers, food, Karma, or our place in the family that determines who we become or who we are? Or do all these factors have an impact?
The latest epigenetic research suggests that our genes may be the prime suspect.
This may be good news or bad, depending on the type of characteristic we are looking at. We have thousands of them, some good, some not so good.
Suppose we are inherently lazy. Does it mean we can sit back and point at that gene of ours as an excuse?
Not necessarily, unless we are willing to favor that lazy-gene and strengthen it. Because our genes have epigenetic characteristics—they can be influenced, slowly, over time, and with plenty of effort.
Practice makes perfect, they say. It’s an encouraging motto. If we practice tennis or playing the piano regularly and long enough, we are bound to get better. However, it will not change our genes, nor will it turn our children into tennis champs, unless they themselves practice, practice, practice.
It’s a pleasing thought that we need not be born with great talents, but that we can achieve greatness with our own effort if we so desire.
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