On 26 Jun 2008, at 00:09, hkhenson wrote: > > The prevailing assumption for many decades is that parents have huge > influence over how their kids turn out. (This assumption isn't the > case either in our deeper history *or* in other cultures.) The data > just don't support this view in spite of the invaluable skills parent > *can* teach kids. If the kids are adopted out, chances are they will > find some other way to pick up the skills biological parents provide > if they are so inclined.
The dynastic tendency in families is a counterexample to this. It's very noticeable how the children of doctors tend to be doctors or veterinarians. Also politics, acting, sports, music and writing. There are some second-generation cosmonauts and astronauts now. The odds against that would be astronomical if parents didn't influence their children :-) Family Business Maru -- William T Goodall Mail : [EMAIL PROTECTED] Web : http://www.wtgab.demon.co.uk Blog : http://radio.weblogs.com/0111221/ "Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities." ~Voltaire. _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
