Identity

Abdul March 14, 2018 at 03:16 2375 views 5 comments

We all like to think we’re different. We all like to think we’re unique. But all humans share 99% of their DNA. That doesn’t leave too much room for uniqueness.

Comments (5)

Abdul March 14, 2018 at 03:18 #161750 0 likes

Maybe that 1% covers a lot of genes. Or maybe humans have a way of over-emphasizing differences since similarities get muted.

Streetlight March 14, 2018 at 03:22 #161751 0 likes

Or maybe you're ascribing far too much unilateral power to genes, which are well known for functioning differentially. I.e. the same genes can do different stuff depending on cellular context.

Consider also that we share about 50% of our genome with bananas so trying to speak of uniqueness via a discussion of genes is not a very good idea to begin with.

matt March 14, 2018 at 03:29 #161754 0 likes

DNA is from our nature. Doesn't nurture also construct identity? Surely we have unique perspectives.

BC March 14, 2018 at 04:00 #161759 0 likes

Quoting Abdul

We all like to think we’re different.

The basics of humanness (DNA) make us all pretty much alike. Nurture and individual experience add the details of difference.

unenlightened March 14, 2018 at 10:37 #161806 0 likes

We all like to think we are the same. We call ourselves humans, or philosophers, or 'we'.