How Do Genes Influence Our Behaviour? - Robert Plomin | Modern Wisdom Podcast 353

Robert Plomin, is a psychologist, geneticist and an author.

Separating the influence of nature and nurture is something everyone considers. Robert is the 71st most cited psychologist of the 20th century and has run the largest and most clinically detailed twin and adoption studies in history to finally provide definitive answers to these fundamental questions.

Expect to learn how much of who we are can be attributed to our environment and how much was predisposed by our genetics, why parenting doesn't make a difference, why the choice of school your child goes to only impacts 1% of their outcomes, whether penis size is heritable, if there is a gay gene or not and much more...

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Extra Stuff:

#behaviouralgenetics #twinstudies #naturevsnurture

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00:00 Intro
01:42 What are Behavioural Genetics?
04:22 Nature & Nurture
17:52 How Genetics Are Studied
22:39 Biggest Ever Twin Study
27:39 Do Genes Influence Behaviour & Health?
36:32 Heritability of Different Traits
50:09 Seeking Happiness
55:57 Heritability of Sexual Preference
58:41 Do Children Behave Like Their Parents?
1:03:22 Non-Genetic Impacts on Behaviour
1:09:54 Educating Children on Genetics
1:23:38 DNA Dating
1:29:51 Increasing Equality of Opportunity
1:35:08 Living With Acceptance of Genetics
1:39:49 Where to Find Robert

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Get in touch in the comments below or head to...

[ChrisWillx]

Yes team. Here's the timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:42 What are Behavioural Genetics?
04:22 Nature & Nurture
17:52 How Genetics Are Studied
22:39 Biggest Ever Twin Study
27:39 Do Genes Influence Behaviour & Health?
36:32 Heritability of Different Traits
50:09 Seeking Happiness
55:57 Heritability of Sexual Preference
58:41 Do Children Behave Like Their Parents?
1:03:22 Non-Genetic Impacts on Behaviour
1:09:54 Educating Children on Genetics
1:23:38 DNA Dating
1:29:51 Increasing Equality of Opportunity
1:35:08 Living With Acceptance of Genetics
1:39:49 Where to Find Robert

[mattball]

I very much relate to Robert on the food issue. I was obese for most of my life and the things he was saying really rang true for me. Being full but still eating what's left after a meal. Having certain trigger foods that I'm unable to stop eating (except for me it's not fresh bread, it's biscuits and picos). Avoiding these is the best strategy for me.

[Jesusfacts]

For me this has been the most valuable podcast you’ve done. Bought the audiobook. I’ve somehow known about the quantitative scale of ‘mental disorders’ and how categories are nonsensical due to complexities but not been able to articulate it so well until now. Absolutely excellent from both.

[jpw]

I'll never forget that Robert bought me my first Guinness in a London pub after a talk :)

[yengsabio]

This is a great interview, Chris! It's a good refresher on the state-of-the-art in behavioral genetics.

[stevecooper]

3:15 very important to remember. The other people around you really are experiencing the same experiences you are feeling. Your empathy for them is validated.

[TheDhammaHub]

It is pretty amazing how big the influence really is.

[rebelScience]

Amazing host and the guest! Thank you so much for high quality content that makes us think.

[Romie]

Great interview! There is so much to learn in this episode that I think that I'll have to watch it again. Robert Plomin is awesome!

[randr]

I'm so confused why this doesn't have millions of veiws⁉️⁉️what a great conversation.

[badbluetahoe]

Robert hit the genetic lottery when it comes to intelligence. Holy cow.

[ruth.rochelle]

Fascinating! But, I've never understand why people are so shocked that genetics play a big part.... it seems like common sense.

[searose]

46:00 *Contentment* is the word you are looking for I think.

[SP-mfsh]

So I guess we don't entirely have free will then. Great interview.

[petermathieson]

May I suggest you follow Glen Loury's lead, marshall your courage, and interview Charles Murray.

[searose]

I am not certain I completely agree with his explanation of the heritability of IQ going up because of a snowball effect. The theory I have heard is that during childhood you are more vulnerable to environmental effects (abuse for instance) that can suppress the expression of your innate intelligence, and as you gain more agency over your life, you are able to meet your potential more fully.

[martynspooner]

It is strange that even in families that some kids get the good genes of both parents and some seem to get the worst. I knew two sisters as a kid where one was stunningly beautiful and the other really didn't have the same luck which is the nicest way I can say it.

[danepaulstewart]

SO MUCH here that tells us not about who we are, but WHAT we are.
…. Fascinating. 👍👍

[shosugino]

The problem with getting what you want is that you get what you wanted. -Neil Gaiman

[kronos]

It's 100 on spot.We analyse enviromental factors, family bonds, when a chance, unpredictable events really shape us as we are