Factors Affecting Human Development

Question: We are influenced by a lot of data. First, the genes and properties inherent in us by nature do not change. Second, we are influenced by society.

Third, there is an external influence, such as a pandemic, an economic crisis, or some kind of natural disaster, which can affect the development of a particular inclination.

For example, if a person has a tendency to stinginess, but he lives in a country with a high standard of living, then this property is not manifested in him. But in an extreme situation, it can manifest itself. Do all these factors simultaneously affect a person?

Answer: No, that cannot be said. They are always in action, but each one to a different degree. It depends not only on the person, but on the society and the historical period in which he lives. This is a global, I would even say universal, program. Therefore, it is very difficult for us to say something definite here: what depends on what and when.

Question: Which of these factors has the greatest impact on human development?

Answer: It’s hard to say. It depends on the time and place.

Question: And yet, what influences more: genes or society?

Answer: Genes. Getting out of their power is very difficult. The fact is that a very diverse society can influence us in different ways. At the same time, there are so-called concrete forces of chance. It is very difficult to calculate and describe.

Baal HaSulam in his article “The Freedom” also describes this in rather general terms, because there are many factors that affect us.
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From KabTV’s “The Post-Coronavirus Era” 4/30/20