[extropy-chat] DNA ?= Destiny

[Adrian Tymes]

--- Mark Walker <mark at permanentend.org> wrote:
> Not everyone is born with the right DNA to pursue
> excellence in music,
> knowledge, athletics, etc.

>From where comes this belief, taken as fact?  From my
own (admiteddly anecdotal) experiences, it seems that
environment has more to do with potential than
genetics in almost all cases.  (Barring biochemical
defects that tend to leave one unable to function
normally in society at all.)  Genes give probabilistic
influences, not absolute barriers; a non-genius at
birth might have a harder time earning a Ph.D., but
with the right education and training (much of which
can be self-obtained and self-directed these days,
thanks to the Web), anything that is humanly possible,
is possible for a human.