Nature versus Nurture

An informative look at recent Holistic Fitness News

DR KAPLAN'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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Nature versus Nurture was right back in the news this week. What shapes the lives of our children? We, their parents, or just the genes they inherit from us? Two '

On the side of Nature was a neuroscientist from America (Where else?) by the name of Steven Pinker. He reckons that just because violent parents do indeed have violent children, this does not mean that the violent behaviour must have been learned from the parents. In his opinion it is more likely that parents and children are genetically more disposed to violence.

Strongly opposing this view was a psychologist (What else?) by the name of Oliver James who feels strongly that the influence of the family is vital. So much so that he has just written a book called They F*** You Up which derives its name from the first line of that most famous of Philip Larkin's poems, This be the verse.

Actually this is a debate that has been going on a very long time. Tom Wolfe, in his magnificent, recent collection of essays called Hooking Up, is pretty convincing in his argument that the neuroscientists are probably closer to the truth. In my own practice I always ask parents of more than one child exactly how soon they realized that the new child had a different personality from the first. Almost all parents say "immediately" or "within weeks". It is highly likely that we are indeed 'hardwired.'

But so what? If the hardwiring we inherit is good, bad or average, are we not still obliged to try to install the best 'software' into our kids? By software, I mean teaching them ethics and manners. We may not be able to control the genes we pass on. But we can pass on what we have learned about life so the new hardware functions to its best ability in this most challenging of worlds.

The alternative is a nightmare. Every criminal and under-achiever can shout: "Don't blame me, blame my genes!"

Homeopathic Tip of the Week

Ever suffer from 'cold sores'. These are little painful, blisters that usually come out on the corners of the mouth, lips or chin. They are usually caused by a Herpes I (HSV-I) virus and usually treated these days with an anti-viral drug such as Zovirax. Homeopaths over the years have found that, although it's very difficult to eliminate cold sores, the remedy Natrum muriaticum has a very good reputation in preventing their frequent recurrence. If you suffer from cold sores you could try Natrum muriaticum 30c one twice a day for a week.

Dr Kaplan's personal website is: www.drkaplan.co.uk and his practice website is www.140harleystreet.co.uk and he can be contacted on (020) 7487 3416