Blueprint

A fascinating read. The assertion — that DNA makes us who we are (the work's subtitle) — is perhaps challenging for many people since it is seemingly counter-intuitive. The consensus opinion — that nurture is what matters — is demonstrated here as both unfounded and unscientific. Plomin writes elegantly, laying out the arguments that, at the least, the role of genes should be complementary to that played by nurture. He highlights perhaps most accurately that we (can/should/do) use the environment to get what our DNA “whispers” that it wants. Plomin's views make sense to me, not only from a practical point of view (healthcare delivery would make more sense if pre-emptive rather than reactive) but also since I have often wondered to what extent it is possible to outrun one's own DNA. I also thought Plomin's argument about dimensions, not disorders — i.e. we all sit on a scale; every “condition” assumes a bell curve over a given cohort. Lots to discuss and potentially essential reading for everyone. N/R.

By Robert Plomin