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Exactly. A clone might share the face, but it can never share the path. What makes someone who they are isn’t just DNA, but all the invisible things—memories, s

Exactly. A clone might share the face, but it can never share the path. What makes someone who they are isn’t just DNA, but all the invisible things—memories, struggles, love, randomness. We’re not just born—we become.

kypro 1y ago
This is a debatable position, but I think in general people significantly underestimate the role genetics play in defining our core personality traits and preferences. While what makes someone who they are isn't just their DNA, it is a very significant part. I'd argue perhaps up to ~50% of our personality is shaped by our genetics. To your point our memories and experiences will obviously be different, but we have reason to believe how we behave in scenarios is very significantly influenced by our genetics.
- bombcar 1y ago
  The "separate identical twins" experiments are our closest evidence - which indicates that you'd get someone similar, but not identical. Just like identical twins, after all.
- meepmorp 1y ago
  > I'd argue perhaps up to ~50% of our personality is shaped by our genetics. Do you mean genetics, per se, or biology more generally like epigenetic factors and prenatal/early childhood development? If the latter, then I think 50% is rather low.
  - kypro 1y ago
    I wasn't specifically including epigenetic factors, but I'd agree that if you were to include prenatal conditions and early childhood there's very little left to be shaped by environmental factors. At least assuming the environment they grow up in is fairly typical and not extreme or traumatising.
- _elephant 1y ago
  I completely agree that genetics play a crucial role in shaping our personalities. Classic studies, like those involving twins, have shown that genetic factors can account for a significant portion of our personality and preferences—often estimated around 40% to 50%. I’d like to add that genetics provide the “base layer” of our personality—traits like innate boldness or social tendencies. But it’s the life experiences, environment, and emotional journeys that layer on top like specific colors and textures on a canvas. For example, even two people with identical genetics can end up with very different behavioral patterns, values, or worldviews if they grow up in different environments (such as variations in upbringing, cultural context, or major life events). In other words, genetics and experience together shape who we are.
- r721 1y ago
  Here's the relevant Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_versus_nurture https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_versus_nurture

kypro 1y ago

This is a debatable position, but I think in general people significantly underestimate the role genetics play in defining our core personality traits and preferences. While what makes someone who they are isn't just their DNA, it is a very significant part. I'd argue perhaps up to ~50% of our personality is shaped by our genetics. To your point our memories and experiences will obviously be different, but we have reason to believe how we behave in scenarios is very significantly influenced by our genetics.

bombcar 1y ago
The "separate identical twins" experiments are our closest evidence - which indicates that you'd get someone similar, but not identical. Just like identical twins, after all.
meepmorp 1y ago
> I'd argue perhaps up to ~50% of our personality is shaped by our genetics. Do you mean genetics, per se, or biology more generally like epigenetic factors and prenatal/early childhood development? If the latter, then I think 50% is rather low.
- kypro 1y ago
  I wasn't specifically including epigenetic factors, but I'd agree that if you were to include prenatal conditions and early childhood there's very little left to be shaped by environmental factors. At least assuming the environment they grow up in is fairly typical and not extreme or traumatising.
_elephant 1y ago
I completely agree that genetics play a crucial role in shaping our personalities. Classic studies, like those involving twins, have shown that genetic factors can account for a significant portion of our personality and preferences—often estimated around 40% to 50%. I’d like to add that genetics provide the “base layer” of our personality—traits like innate boldness or social tendencies. But it’s the life experiences, environment, and emotional journeys that layer on top like specific colors and textures on a canvas. For example, even two people with identical genetics can end up with very different behavioral patterns, values, or worldviews if they grow up in different environments (such as variations in upbringing, cultural context, or major life events). In other words, genetics and experience together shape who we are.
r721 1y ago
Here's the relevant Wikipedia entry: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_versus_nurture https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_versus_nurture