FEMI TAIWO ON MONDAY: NATURE VS NURTURE – THE CASE FOR NURTURE
STRATEGY WITH FEMI TAIWO ON MONDAY
Michael is a first class chemical engineering graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, and a PhD holder in same discipline from the University of Arkansas, United States. He works in a multinational energy giant in the United States.
Nature vs Nurture Series
Part 2: The Case for Nurture
(See part 1 here)
It was Sir Henry David Thoreau that said “I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor.” This is one of my favorite quotes and you can see why. It is hard to argue against Thoreau’s dictum. It is reassuring to know that one can get up if one so wills. It is comforting to know that no one is destined to stay low, all can stand tall. In the context of our discussion, the question is whether “conscious endeavor” completely explains why some are winners and others aren’t.
We all know the power of decisions. You can decide, right now, which way you want to go with your life. You can decide to go back to school or stay out of school. You can choose to spend more time developing your music skills or your writing skills. You can choose to do nothing. Whatever you choose has a direct influence on which way you go. Actions do have consequences and your actions matter. This is very much a cause and effect world. You can effect a change by what you do.
Nurture trumps nature. If you apply yourself to a task, it becomes easier. Why? Because the brain grows. Contrary to what was believed for long, the burgeoning field of neuroplasticity tells us that the brain can expand not just in childhood but throughout life. Just like exercise makes muscles stronger, regardless of age, the brain too, can grow at any age, if exercised. You can nurture your brain to the capacity it needs to be at to accomplish the goals you desire. Your brain size is not a constant; it can expand, if you work it. Encouraging. Fact.
Nurture trumps nature because that is why we teach. We teach because we know people can attain knowledge. That is why we coach. We coach because we believe people can be better. That is why we train. We train because we know humans can grow. And that’s why we punish offenders. We punish because we believe all can learn to be and do good. In other words, our entire civilization is built around the fact that it does not matter what hand you are dealt, you are solely accountable for the result. Nature doesn’t come into the equation, nurture reigns supreme.
I feel good knowing my genes – a biological fact – don’t dictate my destiny. The encouraging, non-biological fact is that I can elevate my life by conscious endeavor. Siding with nurture helps us makes sense of this world. It helps our sanity. It will be insane if factors outside of our control decide where we end. Without doubt, there is much to gain and little to lose to believe that what determines outcomes in life is environment not chromosomes. The question though is whether those at the very top of their calling – the Nobel Laureates, the best sports athletes in the world, the geniuses in various fields – got there by the traditional explanation of success. Let’s make a case for nature.
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Femi Taiwo PhD, always on point.