essay: nature vs. nurture

​The issue of whether it is our upbringing or our genes which form our personality and abilities has always been a controversial one. While some maintain that it is the parents who determine a child’s development, others believe it is a matter of genetic inheritance.
 
It is true that genes play a primary role in the abilities or talents a young person may manifest while they are growing up. We often hear of prodigy children who are born by highly accomplished and intelligent parents. These children may demonstrate a particular inclination or innate talent such as reading or adding at a pre-school age. In such cases it is undeniable that their skills have been the product of genes not their environment.
 
However, one cannot ignore the fact that a person’s development is also determined by the environment in which they are being raised. A talent alone cannot flourish or even become evident unless it is encouraged and nurtured. If, for example, someone has an aptitude for music but has never had the opportunity to attend music lessons, there is little chance they will ever discover what that aptitude is. It is, therefore, up to the parents to help their offspring explore and expand any inclination they may have.
 
In conclusion, there is no clear-cut answer as to whether it is genes or indeed their upbringing which mold a young person’s tendencies. It is rather a balanced combination of the two which leads to the very discovery and development of their talents.