Identity
  • Abdul
    42
    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.
    Abdul Options
  • Abdul
    42
    Maybe that 1% covers a lot of genes. Or maybe humans have a way of over-emphasizing differences since similarities get muted.
    Abdul Options
  • Streetlight
    9.1k
    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.
    Streetlight Options
  • matt
    154
    DNA is from our nature. Doesn't nurture also construct identity? Surely we have unique perspectives.
    matt Options
  • BC
    13.2k
    We all like to think we’re different. — Abdul

    The basics of humanness (DNA) make us all pretty much alike. Nurture and individual experience add the details of difference.
    BC Options
  • unenlightened
    8.8k
    We all like to think we are the same. We call ourselves humans, or philosophers, or 'we'.
    unenlightened Options
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