Yes, exactly. Genetics is the difference between humans and fruit flies. All the radical reshaping we’ve done to the environment over the history of civilizatio

Yes, exactly. Genetics is the difference between humans and fruit flies. All the radical reshaping we’ve done to the environment over the history of civilization would not have been possible without the intelligence given to us by our genes. When people talk about genetic factors in life outcomes they always point to these very simple Mendelian diseases. They don’t point to more subtle traits that are caused by a wide variety of genes interacting. Just because we don’t fully understand these genetic mechanisms doesn’t mean they’re not there. And as far as “nurture” goes, genes play a big role in that too. If a parent has a greater predisposition towards impulsivity or violence or substance abuse then that’s going to affect their fitness as a parent. It’s the Anna Karenina principle: everything has to go right if you want the best outcome.