Are we all just a product of the times we live in?

[HawkPerception]

Yes

No

[TheRealPepperPotts]

I don't think that's entirely accurate, although I think it is a factor. I think when we are younger, we are a product of our surroundings, which is affected by the period in which we live. But as we get older, we have an opportunity to change our trajectory if we are willing to take some risks. After a certain age, we can't blame anyone else for who we are or what we decide to do. Just my two cents! :)

[menina]

We're a product of your our surroundings, family, friends, culture, age and many other factors but yes, we're definitely a product of our times. Not just us, those who are alive at this moment but all human beings who were on this Earth.

[NamerOfStars]

No; if that were true, nothing would ever change. The times affect us, yes, but we're primarily the product of the decisions we make.

[WatchedPot]

Free will proves this isn't so. We all have our own choices in how we react.

[HawkPerception]

So you think that if you grew up in medieval times, you would not have had the mindset of the majority? If you grew up with parents teaching you to believe in God, that raping chambermaids was okay, chopping peoples heads off for not defying their king or the religion, etc. you think you'd be different from everyone else?

How about baths? You think that you would have been the only one to take a bath every day whereas the majority took baths maybe once a year?

[WatchedPot]

Shockingly there were men around in all time periods who found all of those things annalistic behaviors and rose above them.

[alice55]

In general yes except for those who grow up in sect.

[Dongie]

Most are. Some to an extent. A few are timeless.