Nature vs nurture: which is more important in developing character?

[Babygirl_S]

I think the environment someone is brought up in is highly underrated. For example, even a sweet child can become extremely rude if they are repeatedly traumatised.

[Effably]

For character specifically? I firmly believe almost everyone can be a hero or a monster given the circumstance. So one vote for Nurture.

While we can not dismiss nature I think experiements like the Stanford Prison Experiment are very compelling cases to most people's character being a result of environment. Far more easily influenced than many assume.

[Grond21]

To me, grace is the key. You see two different kids suffering extreme trauma. One decides to be better and stop that from ever happening again. The other decides to embrace it. What separates them is whether they chose a path guided by grace or not.

[Babygirl_S]

Are you blaming victims for what happens to them? Do you realise that you can’t stop an abuser or a criminal?

[Grond21]

Not at all. And you're right. Much of the suffering of the world is not under the control of those who suffer. Instead, I am saying that each of us has the ability to make the suffering mean something positive for ourselves and the world. Or on the other side, even more negative.

[Babygirl_S]

Would you smile after being punched?

[Grond21]

Probably not, but then I am not the best person