How Much Do Genes Matter?

Summary

Dr. Gordon Meterson addresses the influence of genetics and environment on personal development, discussing the debate between genetic determinism and free will. He explores the impact of genetics on physical traits and behaviors, using examples of identical twins and their similarities. Meterson emphasizes that while genetics predispose individuals, they don't fully determine outcomes. He touches on the role of consciousness in transcending genetic and environmental influences, suggesting that self-awareness can help one improve despite inherent limitations. Ultimately, he advocates for self-improvement, acceptance of one's constraints, and persistence in achieving personal goals.

Takeaways

• 🧬 Our genetic makeup is largely determined at conception and by the end of the first trimester, suggesting a strong element of predetermination in our lives.
• 👶 The example of Ronda Rousey and Travis Brown's expected child highlights how genetics can influence physical traits, even before birth.
• 🤷‍♂️ The speaker encourages viewers to not be limited by their genetics and to strive for their dreams, despite the predetermined aspects of life.
• 📚 The video discusses the complexity of nature versus nurture, emphasizing that both genetics and environment play significant roles in shaping who we are.
• 🧬🌳 The study of twins separated at birth, like James Arthur Springer and James Edward Lewis, shows remarkable similarities, indicating a strong genetic influence.
• 🌐 However, differences among identical twins suggest that environment also has a say in our development, contradicting the idea of complete genetic determinism.
• 🧬🔄 The concept of epigenetics is introduced, showing how gene expression can change based on environmental factors.
• 💪 Physical attributes like height, weight, and muscle building are largely genetic, but lifestyle choices can influence these to some extent.
• 🧠 Mental traits such as happiness, intelligence, and beliefs have a genetic component, but environment, especially in early life, plays a significant role in their development.
• 👶🏻 Many aspects of our genetic expression are determined during early childhood, suggesting that our environment during those years is crucial.
• 🤔 The script ponders the philosophical question of free will, suggesting that while genetics and environment are influential, there may be an element of consciousness that allows for some degree of self-determination.

Q & A

What is the main argument presented by Dr. Gordon Meterson in the video script?

Dr. Gordon Meterson discusses the concept of genetic determinism, suggesting that our fate is largely influenced by our genetic makeup, but also emphasizes that the environment plays a significant role, especially through epigenetics.

What does Dr. Meterson imply about the moment of conception in relation to our fate?

He implies that from the moment of conception, much of our genetic fate is already determined, including predispositions to certain traits and behaviors.

What example does Dr. Meterson use to illustrate the impact of genetics on a child's future?

He uses the example of Ronda Rousey and Travis Brown's expected child, noting that the child's potential height and physical attributes could be predicted based on the parents' genetic information.

What is the significance of the study of twins separated at birth in understanding genetic influence?

The study of twins separated at birth helps to isolate the impact of genetics from environment, showing that even with different upbringings, identical twins can have striking similarities, indicating a strong genetic influence.

Can you explain the term 'epigenetics' as mentioned in the script?

Epigenetics refers to changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence, and can be influenced by environmental factors.

What does Dr. Meterson suggest about the role of environment in shaping our lives?

He suggests that while genetics play a significant role, the environment, especially during early childhood, has a substantial impact on how genes are expressed, thus shaping our lives.

What is the concept of 'genetic determinism' that the script discusses?

Genetic determinism is the idea that our traits, behaviors, and even life outcomes are predetermined by our genetic code.

How does Dr. Meterson address the idea of self-improvement in the context of genetic determinism?

He acknowledges the limitations set by genetics but encourages self-improvement by understanding and working within those boundaries, suggesting that while genetics may predispose us, they do not predetermine our outcomes.

What is the 'fixed mindset' mentioned by Dr. Meterson, and how does it relate to gifted individuals?

A fixed mindset is the belief that abilities are static and cannot be changed or developed. Dr. Meterson suggests that some gifted individuals may develop this mindset, leading to complacency and a lack of further development.

How does the script address the idea of consciousness and its potential role in overcoming genetic and environmental influences?

The script suggests that consciousness, being self-aware, might allow humans to ascend beyond their genetic and environmental predispositions to some degree, although it acknowledges that this ability is limited.

What is the conclusion Dr. Meterson reaches about the balance between genetics and personal effort?

He concludes that while genetics set certain boundaries, personal effort and environmental changes can still influence outcomes, and encourages individuals to strive for self-improvement despite these genetic constraints.

Outlines

00:00

🧬 Genetic Determinism and Fate

Dr. Gordon Meterson introduces the concept of genetic determinism, suggesting that much of an individual's fate is decided before birth due to genetic makeup. He uses the example of Ronda Rousey and Travis Brown's unborn child to illustrate how early in development certain traits can be predicted. The speaker also addresses the complexity of nature versus nurture, hinting at the idea that our genetic code may limit our potential but does not entirely dictate our lives. He encourages viewers to strive for their dreams despite these predetermined factors.

05:01

👬 The Impact of Genetics on Identity: A Study of Separated Twins

This paragraph delves into the study of identical twins separated at birth to understand the extent of genetic influence on identity and personality. The research sheds light on how genetic factors play a significant role in shaping who we are, even when environmental factors differ vastly.

Keywords

💡Genetic Determinism

Genetic Determinism refers to the idea that an individual's traits, behaviors, and even life outcomes are largely predetermined by their genetic makeup. In the video, it is discussed as a significant factor in shaping a person's fate from the moment of conception, suggesting that one's genetic code plays a crucial role in determining their physical attributes and possibly their behaviors and preferences.

💡Epigenetics

Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. It is mentioned in the script to illustrate how environmental factors can influence gene expression, thus affecting an individual's traits and characteristics. The concept challenges the strict deterministic view by showing that genes can be 'turned on' or 'off' based on environmental cues.

💡Heritability

Heritability is a statistical measure of the degree to which variations in a trait or behavior can be attributed to genetic factors. The video discusses the heritability of traits such as happiness, intelligence, and political orientation, indicating that these traits have a significant genetic component. However, it also points out that heritability estimates can vary widely depending on the population being studied.

💡Environment

Environment, in the context of the video, refers to the external conditions and influences that can affect an individual's development and behavior. It is contrasted with genetics to explore the interplay between nature and nurture. The video uses the example of separated twins raised in different environments to highlight the role of environment alongside genetics in shaping an individual.

💡Self-Improvement

Self-Improvement is a central theme in the video, advocating for the pursuit of personal growth and development despite the limitations imposed by genetics and environment. The script encourages viewers to strive for their goals and to take control of the aspects of their lives that they can influence, rather than being constrained by a deterministic view of their potential.

💡Fixed Mindset

A Fixed Mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence are static traits and cannot be developed or changed. The video contrasts this with a growth mindset, suggesting that individuals with a fixed mindset may not strive to improve themselves, while those with a growth mindset understand that effort and learning can lead to personal development.

💡Consciousness

Consciousness is presented in the video as a potentially unique human attribute that allows for self-awareness and the ability to reflect on and potentially transcend one's genetic and environmental influences. It is suggested as a factor that might enable individuals to have some degree of control over their destinies beyond the deterministic views of genetics and environment.

💡Genetic Predispposition

Genetic Predispposition is the idea that while genetics do not predetermine outcomes, they do predispose individuals to certain tendencies or outcomes. The video explains that genetics provide the 'hand' of cards in life's game, but it is up to the individual to play those cards effectively, indicating that there is still room for personal agency.

💡Physical Attributes

Physical Attributes refer to the observable characteristics of an individual that are largely determined by genetics, such as facial features, height, and body type. The video emphasizes the strong genetic influence on these attributes, while also acknowledging that some aspects, like body fat percentage, can be modified through lifestyle choices.

💡Mental Components

Mental Components encompass the psychological and cognitive traits of an individual, such as intelligence, happiness, and beliefs. The video discusses the genetic basis for these components but also highlights the significant role of environment, especially during early childhood development, in shaping these mental aspects.

💡Personality

Personality is the unique set of characteristics that determine an individual's behavior and thoughts. The video suggests that while there is a genetic component to personality, it is also heavily influenced by environmental factors and personal experiences. It implies that personality can be malleable and subject to change based on an individual's conscious efforts and life circumstances.

Highlights

Dr. Gordon Meterson's humorous introduction and the concept that our fate may be predetermined from birth.

The idea that genetic makeup is formed at conception and is influenced by the first trimester of pregnancy.

The example of Ronda Rousey and Travis Brown expecting their first child, highlighting genetic influence on physical traits.

The contrasting messages of genetic determinism and the potential for self-improvement and change.

The presentation of epigenetics and how environmental factors can influence gene expression.

The study of twins separated at birth to understand the impact of genetics versus environment.

The case of James Arthur Springer and James Edward Lewis, identical twins with striking similarities despite different environments.

The acknowledgment of genetic influence on personality traits, intelligence, and even religious beliefs.

The concept that genetics predispose rather than predetermine, offering a probabilistic view of life outcomes.

The impact of early childhood environment on gene expression and its implications for personality and behavior.

The debate on the extent to which adults can change their genetic predispositions through environmental changes.

The role of consciousness in potentially transcending genetic and environmental determinism.

The importance of accepting one's genetic limitations while still striving for self-improvement.

The discussion on the inheritability of happiness, intelligence, and political and religious orientations.

The idea that most gene expression variations occur during early childhood, impacting one's future personality and behavior.

The philosophical question of determinism and whether our lives are solely the result of genetics and environment.

The speaker's personal belief in the role of consciousness and the potential for humans to ascend beyond genetic and environmental constraints.

The conclusion that while genetics play a significant role, individuals should continue to pursue self-improvement and personal growth.

Transcripts

ladies and gentlemen give it up for dr

gordon meterson hello everybody hello

everybody here

calm down calm down

stop acting like a bunch of [ __ ] monkey

from the moment that your parents

decided to boink and you came swimming

out of your father's taters into your

mother's

your fate was already decided it was

over before you were even born then your

genetic makeup was formed after you were

conceived it was already all were

by the end of the first trimester your

fate was already written in stone

guys i want to show you this ronda

rousey and travis brown are expecting

their first child for those of you who

don't know they were about professional

athletes and travis brown is 6'5 this is

what the doctor had to say about their

child so we are measuring at 11 weeks

and 5 days today

and you are 11 weeks so this is when big

kids start to be big and

they kind of show off after the first

trimester

you were destined to get no [ __ ]

you were destined to get addicted to

lowly hentai

you were even destined to watch this

video or maybe you weren't you know

maybe you're not limited by any of that

stuff the sky is the limit the world is

your oyster just never give up

keep on trying and you can be anything

you want to be

telling you guys anything is possible

don't ever get up keep keep grinding

keep hustling

shoot for your dreams

you can do anything you want i promise

you

you just have to take that first step

take that hard step actually doing

something

are you sure about that which one is it

you know because these are two different

messages

i'm hearing from from different people

and i want to get to the bottom of it

well it turns out that it's it's pretty

complicated and it's kind of both of

them but it's uh it's mostly the first

one and just as a disclaimer i'm not

like smart or anything anytime i say

anything smart on this video i'm just

copying people with degrees and also

this is just a presentation of ideas

it's not it shouldn't be taken like a

[ __ ] academic journal or something

also this video might have some pretty

harsh truths in it but my intention is

not to to get people to give up or lose

hope or whatever it's is my opinion that

that knowing the truth even if you know

these truths are hard to swallow at

first it only serves to help you even if

you're like you're all about

self-improvement knowing these things

helps you i can think of plenty of times

where

knowing the truth would have helped me a

lot it would have saved me from a lot of

pain and

confusion and anguish you know people

people just say [ __ ] to make you feel

better they just sell you white lies it

definitely doesn't help you you know

it just makes you delusional and that's

not the mind state you want to have if

you're trying to improve yourself at all

because you're going you're not going to

accept what you can't change and that's

gonna just that's gonna hurt you

mentally i just wanna be honest because

i feel like these truths really helped

me

you know and i think everybody lies

about them i think these ideas should be

more mainstream because they're very

important and they have a lot of

scientific backing the truth can guide

you you know i'm just going to give you

what i've found and whether or not you

use it to develop self-limiting beliefs

or use them to take the proper steps

going forward is completely up to you

take my little friend here for example

i'm looking down at him right now and

i'm not impressed you know he's it's a

pretty disappointing sight so i have a

few options i could either be like oh no

i'm never gonna please a woman

it's totally over for me my little

shrimp it's just so pathetic i hate you

or alternatively i could accept hey

my dong isn't great

you know i'm never gonna be johnny sins

i'm never gonna hit him i'm never gonna

hit it like jordi el nino poyo

but that's okay

because i can keep moving forward

i could put in the work put in the hours

you know maybe buy some online courses

and you know learn how to really [ __ ]

good learn how to stroke it nice you

know

learn how to really work this anyways

when we're talking about genetic

determinism

one of the main like studies we can use

to really isolate how much genetics

matter is by looking at twins who were

separated at birth who had different

environments but you know identical

twins share 100 percent of their

genetics a pair of separated identical

twins that are often sighted are james

arthur springer and james edward lewis

they are pretty much the exact same

physically

same height same face they had the same

job they were a sheriff

they had the same habit of biting their

nails

they had the same food preferences both

of them were married twice and their

wife's names were linda and betty

both of them had a dog growing up that

they named toy they even both named

their son the same thing and this is

this is a pretty crazy thought because

you know naming your your son or your

dog

that's like a whim you know that's

something you think you would just

come up with

and to think that even that does not

escape

the the determinism of your genetics

even that doesn't like escape the cause

and effect of like your genetics brought

up that thought that's pretty nuts you

know but it's not like all separated

twins have this many like uncanny

similarities you know there have been

multiple of them that have been studied

they're all like pretty similar

generally but even with james arthur

springer and james edward lewis there

are key differences you know one of them

married a third time

they they did some different [ __ ]

there are there are differences in

identical twins which automatically

rules out that genetics are 100

deterministic because identical twins

share 100 of their genetics it's this

when the same egg splits into two

embryos or whatever the [ __ ] so if they

turn out different that means

environment definitely plays a role for

example there are twins named ann and

judy from wales who were separated at

birth and they ended up growing up in

different

socioeconomic backgrounds but in the

same country

and you know one of them was like a

street kid and one of them was like a

super academic kid and they ended up you

know making different levels of money

and having pretty different

personalities but even still their face

was still the same there have been

identical twins raised on opposite sides

of the world and just completely

different environments and their face

and bodies still end up being very

similar which means that you know

physically it makes sense you know it's

intuitive physically that's just genetic

unless one of the twins would have like

taken roids and go on heavy on

bodybuilding or you know done the

opposite like stuff their face with

donuts but the thing is

like the inclinations to do that are

also genetic

so that's when it gets really murky

either way what geneticists have

concluded is that genetics don't

predetermine but predispose right so

they're probabilistic not deterministic

in other words like they don't determine

the outcome of the game but they

determine your hand and if we're talking

about probability what you get in your

hand uh makes the chances

of how you will do in the game but it's

not like set in stone you know you could

really play those cards right so for

being like very technical with the

definition genetic determinism isn't

real but you know the implications of it

do sort of still remain this does not at

all mean that genetics don't matter

because they definitely do you know in

terms of individual factors that impact

your life genetics have to be at the top

they have to be number one

choosing the right parents is the most

important decision that you could ever

make it's just not everything you know

and it's very complicated and there's a

lot of different variables

that can impact how you turn out and

this is because genes can express

themselves based on their environments

it's this new thing they they have

called epigenetics based on outside

environmental factors your genes will

will come out in a different way for

example you could have this sort of uh

this dormant muscle building gene and if

you never worked out you'll never find

it but if you start to you know lift you

could find you have like very good

muscle building genetics get jacked as

[ __ ] but it won't come out if you like

live a very sedentary lifestyle but even

this has limits you know especially

physically it's not like if i were to go

to brazil you know change my environment

i'd suddenly you know my dick would get

bigger or something it's not like if i

start working out i'll get four inches

taller the truth of the matter is

genetics are a big deal and they are

restrictive you are bound by your

genetics to a high degree

especially when you consider

you know people treat you differently

based on your genetics and

scientifically they largely determine

your success in your career

in relationships in life in general

knowing this and acting accordingly

can give you a higher level of control

the degree of this control is debatable

and it also is variable it varies from

person to person but let me just give

you the science physically what is

genetic

is pretty intuitive your face very

genetic

the only thing you could do to change

that you get surgery

you can change

your overall like body fat percentage to

make your face more lean

and you could do skin care like that's

about it height and weight are mostly

genetic your diet and sleep growing up

will impact your height and you can

change your weight you know based on how

much you're eating so you have you have

some level of control then again you

know your muscle building is also

very genetic no matter how much i work

out i'm not really gonna be like a super

buff dude i'm just sort of a wiry guy

you know and it's cool for me

that that that means i won't develop

some sort of body dysmorphia and [ __ ]

it's why it's important you know this so

you don't blame yourself and hate

yourself and you just accept it but

mentally is where it gets interesting

and also pretty brutal there are studies

that have found happiness has a large

inheritable quality to it so does

intelligence

so does your political orientation your

religiosity all of these things have a

large genetic component but the thing

about these heritability figures

is that they're very different because

they're based off the population that

they've been measured in so they vary

wildly

you know you'll hear that iq has a

heritability of 70 percent on average

but if you go to populations communities

around harvard it's above 90 percent

and if you go to you know detroit

where there's a lot of like drug

problems it's close to zero percent

so this this shows that environment

actually has a larger uh play in mental

components like intelligence than

genetics for example to predict whether

or not someone believes in god it's more

important to know if they were born in

texas than what their genes are but

here's the kicker

most of the differences in your gene

expression the variation

physically or mentally happens when you

are zero to three years old

when you're super young when you don't

have any control over your environment

and it keeps on going down so by the

time you're an adult and you really have

the the influence to

change where you are change your

environments a lot of things have

solidified by then and it's you know

it's still a debate scientifically like

how much

you can change by altering your

environments when you're grown

but you know the brain is still plastic

but not nearly as much as it was when

you were young and this leads to a

question about determinism in general

not even genetic but

when you combine genetics and

environment

besides your genetics which you don't

choose

and your environment when you're young

and you can't change it so you don't

choose that either

what else is there

what else is there that influences your

physicality your personality all those

things that will go on to determine your

whole life

what else is there besides genetics and

environment you could logically say

there is nothing else like that's it

we're pretty much automatons in that way

you look at your genes you look at your

environment and you could trace back all

of the variables that made you who you

are and you didn't choose any of them

i'm not saying that's what i believe

but i understand it and i respect it

i've had this conversation multiple

times when i've tried to uh

blackpill people but it's like

if you were born

white

in the early 1800s in the american south

you would be racist

you'd like to think you're the one who's

like no i would have realized it's wrong

i would have gone against like no you

wouldn't have the thought wouldn't even

have occurred to you

your genes and your environment that

would have made what you believed

you know you wouldn't have the percep

you wouldn't have the perspective to see

beyond that the stance that genes and

environment are everything

it's hard to argue with you know i

personally don't believe that

but i respect it and i totally

understand that standpoint i just choose

to believe

there's something else now this is

purely just my opinion and i'm not even

like super confident about it this is

just like how i feel sort of but i think

um that something is what separates

humans from other animals i think

animals are purely genes and

environments but you know the human ape

which is just much more complex i think

that's what consciousness is

what's the purpose of it if not to

you know be self-aware

and look at these things and be able to

ascend them to some degree i think it's

a very small degree

you know i think we're still mostly

automatons but

less so than than other animals you know

they just work according to nature but

even if i'm working under this

assumption that that's what

consciousness is this thing that allows

you to

ascend your genetics and environment a

little bit it's still brutal you can

work extra hard and still be bested by

someone who was just born better i guess

the life fuel there is that

people who are born like super gifted

usually develop a fixed mindset or

whatever it's like the tortoise in the

hair thing

but also there are people who don't do

that there are people who are just like

100 better than you lebron james was

born to be like a super athlete i

couldn't be as good as him no matter how

much i practiced i'm just not built that

way stephen hawking was born to do

science saddam hussein was born to do

war crimes

you know in that way i guess i was born

to [ __ ]

and you're never going to be able

to [ __ ] as much or as hard as i do

and you have to accept that because i

was just made to [ __ ] anyways that's a

lot of overthinking [ __ ] the application

of it it couldn't be any other way

you imagine people could just completely

change their like their looks and

personality at the drop of the dime that

[ __ ] wouldn't work you have to be born

and have like a certain flow to your

actions if you want to change your

personality or certain mental components

you know things like your iq a lot of

that gene expression probably does

happen when you're young but i think you

could change it to some degree if you

really want to change your personality

you have to do things and be in places

that are like completely out of your

wheelhouse and that will will code new

proteins in your brain that will really

it'll change how you act that's what

walter michelle found with his

personality coefficient is that its

personality is mostly dependent on

environment rather than like some

underlying character you have you don't

got to be that complicated just stay on

your grind except what you can't control

i still think you should you should try

to improve yourself try to see you know

try to be the best person

you could be you know what's the

alternative just texting underage girls

you don't need to do that

keep on keep on giving it your all baby

by the way i really appreciate the way

the the channel is grown if you relate

to me that's kind of cool because i feel

like i'm uh

i'm being myself and a lot of people

don't understand it so

if if you if you get it that's pretty

sick

and i appreciate you by the time this

came out i probably made a discord uh

like an instagram page for

this channel and uh

uh what else a second channel where i

just talk and don't edit it so

yeah check those out if you uh

if you want daddy

if you want more of daddy if you don't

want more daddy

i completely understand

[Music]