Myth of genetic destiny from "summary" of The Genome War by James Shreeve
The idea that our genetic makeup predetermines our fate is deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness. It is a concept that has been perpetuated by scientists, the media, and even by ourselves. We are constantly bombarded with messages that suggest our genes hold the key to our health, intelligence, and even our happiness. This notion of genetic determinism has become so pervasive that it has taken on the status of a myth - a myth of genetic destiny. The Myth of genetic destiny is a seductive idea because it offers a simple and tidy explanation for complex phenomena. It suggests that our genes are like a roadmap that dictates where we will end up in life. If we have a certain gene, we are more likely to get a certain disease. If we have another gene, we are more likely to be good at math. It is a comforting thought because it absolves us of responsibility for our actions and choices. It allows us to blame our genes for our shortcomings and to credit them for our successes. But the reality is far more complex and nuanced than the Myth of genetic destiny would have us believe. Our genes do play a role in shaping who we are, but they are only one piece of the puzzle. Our environment, our experiences, and our...
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