What Makes Us Who We Are? The Promise (and Perils) of Behavioral Genetics
3,404 views · Published 17 December 2013 · 1:01:28 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: Yale University · 2013 · Education
Sponsored by the Poynter Fellowship in Journalism and Franke Program in Science and the Humanities. Why are some of us happier than others—or sadder, tougher, or friendlier? Why do some wither under stress while others survive mayhem? Drawing on research for his upcoming book, "The Orchid and the Dandelion" (Crown), science writer David Dobbs presents an alluring new theory in behavioral genetics: the "orchid-dandelion" hypothesis. In the long conversation between genes and environment, this hypothesis asserts, some of us, like orchids, naturally respond to experience more sensitively than do others, who, like dandelions, persist more steadily and evenly. This model of temperament offers new angles on everything from the nature of mental illness to humanity's success covering the globe—and, in doing so, raises vexing questions about the confused state of genetics. Bio David Dobbs writes on science and culture for the New York Times, National Geographic, Slate, and other leading publications. For more on his articles and books, see http://daviddobbs.net.
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