No Two Alike: Human Nature and Human Individuality

Science News, June 30, 2007

NO TWO ALIKE: Human Nature and Human Individuality JUDITH RICH HARRIS

If each person is the product of his or her own combination of genes and environment, why do identical twins develop different personalities, hopes, and ambitions? What is really at the root of human individuality? Harris, a journalist, seeks answers beyond the nature-nurture debate, which she views as insufficient for explaining the development of personality. She cites classic psychology experiments as well as cutting-edge research on DNA as evidence of the complexity of human individuality. She first dispels many of the myths that surround human development, including, for instance, the idea that birth order has an effect on personality. Harris' view is that three factors--relationship, socialization, and status--interact to develop personality and to prepare people as members of a society. Norton, 2007, 329 p., b&w images, paperback, $16.95.