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I recently was thinking on the similar topic after reading an article about scientific myths most people believe. For example, one of such myths is that humans

I recently was thinking on the similar topic after reading an article about scientific myths most people believe. For example, one of such myths is that humans are genetically predefined and can't be changed through life. It's clear that there are a lot of social, cultural and gender factors impacts on our nature, but still there is such a belief. So my conclusion was that our reasoning is very restricted. We tend to simplify our thoughts, our memories. And all this stuff is highly dependant on emotions we feel. That's why we like to make our memories brighter than they are, make them more romantic and ideal. Everything in the past was better, etc. That's why we remember facts which are easier to remember and close to our beliefs, sometimes no matter are they true or not.

corporateslave 10y ago
To some degree people are genetically defined. Aside from luck, people are highly genetically determined. The whole basis of evolution is that positive traits are passed on and reflected in offspring, for that to work, people have to be genetically determined. Either you are against the idea of evolution, or you are against the idea of non biological determinism. Of course there is some grey area where life factors to change the course, but for evolution to work, people need to be largely determined by their DNA.
marcofloriano 10y ago
I have to fight against this tendency to believe past was better almost every day. My mind seems to try to trick me every time i'm making progress in life, bringing memories of a better past, showing why today sucks. The solution? Reason. I just ask myself: Ok, that was the good part. Now, try to remember the bad ones. Oh you can't? So it's obviously a fake memory pal. There were no such time in my life without difficulties.
- mkalygin 10y ago
  Yea, also we sometimes remember only bad things. E.g. if we play in poker, we may lose with two aces for a number of times in a row. And because of the emotional frustration we start thinking that two aces are not that good.
projektir 10y ago
> For example, one of such myths is that humans are genetically predefined and can't be changed through life. I don't think you should be calling what continues to be the subject of heavy debate a myth.

corporateslave 10y ago

To some degree people are genetically defined. Aside from luck, people are highly genetically determined. The whole basis of evolution is that positive traits are passed on and reflected in offspring, for that to work, people have to be genetically determined. Either you are against the idea of evolution, or you are against the idea of non biological determinism. Of course there is some grey area where life factors to change the course, but for evolution to work, people need to be largely determined by their DNA.

marcofloriano 10y ago

I have to fight against this tendency to believe past was better almost every day. My mind seems to try to trick me every time i'm making progress in life, bringing memories of a better past, showing why today sucks. The solution? Reason. I just ask myself: Ok, that was the good part. Now, try to remember the bad ones. Oh you can't? So it's obviously a fake memory pal. There were no such time in my life without difficulties.

mkalygin 10y ago
Yea, also we sometimes remember only bad things. E.g. if we play in poker, we may lose with two aces for a number of times in a row. And because of the emotional frustration we start thinking that two aces are not that good.

projektir 10y ago

> For example, one of such myths is that humans are genetically predefined and can't be changed through life. I don't think you should be calling what continues to be the subject of heavy debate a myth.