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Our instincts are influenced by our environment from "summary" of The Human Instinct by Kenneth R. Miller

Our instincts, far from being set in stone by genetics or biology, are constantly shaped and molded by our environment. The very essence of what it means to be human is our ability to adapt and change in response to the world around us. We are not passive recipients of our instincts, but active participants in their development and expression. Consider the example of language acquisition. While humans may have a natural predisposition for language, the specific language we learn is heavily influenced by the environment in which we are raised. A child born in China will instinctively learn to speak Mandarin, while a child born in the United States will instinctively learn to speak English. This demonstrates how our instincts for language are not fixed, but rather flexible and adaptable based on our surroundings. Another example can be seen in the development of social behaviors. Studies have shown that children raised in loving and nurturing environments are more likely to exhibit empathy and compassion towards others. On the other hand, children raised in hostile or neglectful environments may develop aggressive or antisocial tendencies. This highlights how our instincts for social interaction are not predetermined, but rather shaped by the social cues and norms of our environment. Even our most basic instincts, such as hunger and thirst, can be influenced by our surroundings. In a society where food is plentiful and easily accessible, individuals may struggle to regulate their eating habits and may be more prone to obesity. Conversely, in a society where food is scarce, individuals may develop strategies for conserving energy and maximizing their chances of survival.
  1. The concept that our instincts are influenced by our environment underscores the dynamic and interactive nature of human nature. We are not slaves to our instincts, but rather masters of our own destiny, capable of shaping and reshaping our instincts in response to the world around us. It is this unique blend of nature and nurture that makes us truly human.
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The Human Instinct

Kenneth R. Miller

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