don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

Today is a special day -- may you find it to be one of happiness, serenity and gratitude. To an increasing extent, scientists in the field of human genetics are gathering evidence suggesting that your ability to do so is affected (if not determined) not primarily by your environment, your commitment to self-management, or your good fortune to be surrounded by supportive people and cultures -- but by your family history, specifically, your genes.

Some folks find it hard to think, feel, and act in wellness-enhancing ways despite much cultural support and continuing education designed to mitigate biological tendencies they consciously wish to override. The reason for this may be traced to a defective gene! While environment and social situations do make a difference, one can never be sure how genetic predispositions might stand in the way.

Researchers from the US and the Netherlands recently reported that several males in a family possessed a mutated gene that affects the chemical communication of signals to the brain, causing the men who have it to behave aggressively. Facts like these make you wonder -- to what extent can you or should you be held accountable, exert free will, or practice free choice?

On a less dramatic level, what might we think about other chemical changes, such as a drop in blood sugar throughout the day in a "normal" person, leading to a crotchety attitude? Is this person a victim? Shall we excuse his bad behavior? Are there genetic components for personality traits such as happiness, serenity, and gratitude, not to mention aggression, anxiety, and addiction that might be either supportive of or damaging to personal mastery? More than we care to acknowledge, we may be affected if not driven by biological urges.

It's your nature, perhaps. Of course, modern scientists are not the first to address this quandary. Aristotle wrote (in Nicomachean Ethics), "All admit that in a certain sense the several kinds of character are bestowed by nature. What makes men good is held by some to be nature, by others habit or training, by others instruction. As for the goodness that comes by nature, this is plainly not within our control, but is bestowed by some divine agency on certain people who truly deserve to be called fortunate."

There are no easy answers here as to how much of x is attributable to y, nor can we identify who has how much of x or y and then predict the implications of his behavior. But, that's OK. We can still get by. We can manage. We have no choice. The alternative is chaos.

But, think about the role of genetics when you notice people smoking, abusing alcohol or other drugs, failing to exercise, or otherwise engage in obviously insensible lifestyles. Find in your reflections the occasion for a bit of compassion. They may not have as much choice in the matter as you do. Maybe. We just don't know for sure at this stage.

If you have had the good fortune (whether by "divine agency" or otherwise) to self-manage in a fashion consistent with a bit of lifestyle artistry, that in itself might be a firm basis for you to indulge in a surge of happiness, serenity and gratitude on this wonderful day.

Be well--and Merry Christmas.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the MENTAL DOMAIN under the skill area of factual knowledge. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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