Children Quote by Robert M. Sapolsky
““Having the low-activity version of MAO-A tripled the likelihood … but only in people with a history of severe childhood abuse. And if there was no such history, the variant was not predictive of anything. This is the essence of gene/environment interaction. What does having a particular variant of the MAO-A gene have to do with antisocial behavior? It depends on the environment.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Behave: The Biology of Humans at Our Best and Worst, Robert M. Sapolsky, 2017
Genetic predispositions like MAO-A only influence behavior when combined with adverse environments, highlighting gene‑environment interaction.
In simple terms: Genes affect behavior only with certain life experiences.
Key Takeaway
Consider both biology and environment in behavior.
Themes
genetics
environment
behavioral science
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
neutral
Type
educational
scientific
When to use this quote
- research studies
- clinical assessments
- policy making
Key Concepts
gene‑environment interaction
neuroscience
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we address environmental risk factors?
- What ethical concerns arise from genetic testing?
A Different Perspective
Genetics alone cannot predict complex behaviors.
