: Research indicates that the characteristics we are born with have much more influence on our personality and development than other experiences we may have in life. Which do you consider to be the major influence?

Some research shows that inborn characteristics have greater impacts on personal
development
and personality than experiences people have in life.
However
, I believe that experiences are the major influence on human
development
. Undoubtedly characteristics which people are born
with
Suggestion
to
play an important role in shaping their future
development
.
For example
, if a person was born an introvert it is likely that he or she will always find it hard to make friends and build new relationships, which can limit his or her prospects of success because success is often built on a supportive network of contacts.
However
, I believe that life experiences are more important in shaping a person’s personality and
development
.
Firstly
, experiences can transform inborn characteristics to help people adapt to different situations.
For instance
, a shy and gentle
child
who is to experience hardships and violence can learn to be tough to deal with difficulties.
Secondly
, experiences can enrich inborn characteristics to enhance a person’s
development
. To explain, if parents discover that their
child
has a special interest in making money because a
child
, they can create favourable conditions where the
child
can learn moneymaking lessons through experiences. In
this
case, innate characteristics are complemented by experiences;
as a result
, the
child
is likely to develop important qualities
such
as tact, a good sense of judgment, attention to details or perseverance. These qualities create the business acumen that can launch him or her on a successful career later on. In conclusion,
although
I do not play down the importance of innate characteristics, I believe experiences that one has in life have more important influences on their personalities and
development
.

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • nature vs. nurture debate
  • genetic inheritance
  • personality traits
  • behavior patterns
  • heritability
  • twins studies
  • malleable characteristics
  • upbringing
  • environmental influences
  • critical periods
  • language acquisition
  • worldview
  • innate traits
  • personal experiences
  • psychological development
  • epigenetics
  • adaptive behaviors
  • cultural imprinting
  • temperament
  • social conditioning
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