• Question: why is it that people have determination and courage???

    Asked by emmam to Adam, Catherine, Leila on 22 Mar 2012.
    • Photo: Leila Battison

      Leila Battison answered on 22 Mar 2012:

      Deep question!

      Both of these feelings/emotions probably go right back to our origins as apes, whose behaviour depended on instinct, rather than society. Even though you might be scared of something, courage and determination make sure you get it done. Back in our evolutionary past, it might have been necessary to overcome your fear to make sure you survived, when faced with dangers like wild animals.

    • Photo: Adam Stevens

      Adam Stevens answered on 22 Mar 2012:

      This is very similar to a question we just asked about being nasty. All our personality traits are either genetic or a product of our upbringing and environment. It’s very hard to judge which.

      So I would say that determined people would have been brought up in a way that makes them like that, probably with lots of good role models, their parents encouraging them to be determined.

      Courage is a bit harder and more likely to be connected to our genes.

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