The Mind; Genetic or Experiential

       The popular English Philosopher John Locke is popular for his theory of the mind as a Tabula rasa; a Latin word often translated "blank slate" that the human mind receives knowledge and forms itself based on experience, without any pre-existing innate ideas that would serve as a starting point. Tabula rasa thus implies that individual human beings are born "blank" (with no built-in mental content). And that their identity is defined entirely by their experiences and sensory perceptions of the outside world. Moreover according to biology; we are products of 2 combined elements (our parents) and the Chromosomes contributed from the two elements during our conception carries various characteristics and traits which is the foundation of our inherent looks and behaviours. But from experience many of us have heard our parents tell us that we do not take after them especially in behaviours.

           In my research I have discovered that these Chromosomes are mostly effective in determining our biological make up. They play little or no role in developing behaviours. Behaviour, personality and Character is a pattern that is developed over time, meaning we can say that The Mind is a pattern that develops over time. We can liken this to when our body that grows physically based on how well it is nourished and taken care of. My question now is;

       Are our Genes absolutely useless in our mind formation?

       What are the things that forms the mind?

       Can the mind be left to form on it's own?

     Drop by next Friday to get this questions answered