(March 18, 2014 at 12:08 am)KichigaiNeko Wrote: In that case, I would posit that our personalities are 'born' with us and unfold due to environmental factors.
Obscure case in point....I was always happy to wear wool, loved the smell of it, the feel of it and many contented hours watching my mother knit with it. Now? I still love wool and am quite a happy knitter and crafter (this I attribute to my mum) now for the whammy....an ancestor of mine (not too far removed) was a grazier (sheep/ wool farmer) and a celebrated one at that.
My sister on the other hand, is of the opinion that she is "adopted" as she doesn't share any of the enthusiasm for needlecraft as my mum and I do, she also could not tolerate wool against her skin as a baby/child. BUT has a keen interest in Genealogy and just loves the stories of our family history (that my mum still tells) so there ya go.
We both don't suffer fools very well but are still learning to be diplomatic
In summary... I would say both. As initial interest needs validation to bloom into a positive personality trait.
I agree that interests (genealogy, needlecraft) and personal preferences (liking the feeling of wool) can be an intrinsic part of our personalities, especially when manifest as promoting or defending those interests or preferences, but I disagree that we are born with those interests or preferences - if that is what you're meaning to suggest.
In both cases, I would posit that interests and personal preferences are learned aspects of personality. I don't think you were born knowing that you liked the feeling of wool and the process of knitting, I think you learned both of those things about yourself as you grew up and experimented with hobbies.
It may be the case, however, that you were born with a penchant for enjoying stationary, repetitive activities that utilized fine motor skills.
If that is not what you were meaning to suggest, than ignore me.
Teenaged X-Files obsession + Bermuda Triangle episode + Self-led school research project = Atheist.
