Nature vs. Nurture (with Paul Bloom)

99 snips

May 26, 2025

In this engaging conversation, psychologist Paul Bloom from the University of Toronto and author of 'Small Potatoes' dives deep into the complexities of nature vs. nurture. He challenges the simplicity of attributing success solely to genes or environment, highlighting the intricate interplay between the two. Bloom shares humorous anecdotes about aspiration and self-acceptance, and the importance of passion in developing skills. The discussion also tackles ethical dilemmas in genetic selection, urging listeners to reflect on fairness and societal implications in this evolving landscape.

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INSIGHT

Nature vs Nurture Debate

The nature vs nurture debate is a serious intellectual battle about the origins of human traits and behaviors.
Paul Bloom identifies as a nativist, believing innate human nature plays a key role, opposed to the malleable blank slate view.

ANECDOTE

Joke Illustrates the Debate

A joke reveals the difficulty in separating nature and nurture when assessing a child’s academic failure.
The child’s question, “Nature or nurture?” highlights the enduring curiosity and complexity of this debate.

INSIGHT

Most Traits Are Mixed Origins

Most individual differences, like intelligence, arise from a combination of genes and environment.
Identifying what is innate versus acquired remains an important but difficult scientific pursuit.

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