If nature is an AI company manufacturing different products with networks, then genes are what build them. Genes construct each of us from one cell according to the Homosapien blueprint. Some believe that who we are is rigid and predefined by our genes. The reality is that who we become is not set in stone, and our potential is far more flexible than we could ever imagine.

The latest discoveries in genetics, neuroscience, and psychology are showing that the environment triggers gene expression.¹  Nature versus nurture is an outdated model for explaining how we develop into who we are.²  We are neither born nor made. The environment is inseparable from our genes.³  The new way of looking at genes is called gene-environment interaction, or “GxE.”⁴ Genes are not fixed, following a predefined script; they continually shift and adapt to an ever-changing environment. 

In his book “The Genius In All Of Us” David Shenk explains genes as twenty two thousand volume knobs and switches that the environment continually adjusts.⁵  Each gene has a tag sitting on it, called an epigene that taps into the environment.⁶ Epigenes allow the environment to interact directly with the gene, and act as the hands that turn the knobs and switches. Epigenetics sees genes and the environment as inseparable and symbiotic; we cannot have one without the other.⁷ 

When we come into the world, genes provide us with a switchboard of knobs and switches. Initially, genes preset our knobs at specific levels and place our switches in on or off positions. These initial settings establish the starting point for our physical, intellectual, and personality traits.⁸  Some of the knobs and switches for traits like height are more rigidly defined, and the environment has less of an influence on them. Others, such as personality and temperament, are more flexible, and the environment constantly affects them, turning them up or down, on or off. ⁹ Genes initially set the knobs and switches to give me brown hair, but environmental factors like sunlight, stress, and chemicals adjust them, to change their color. Even if we are predisposed to certain traits, the environment still influences their development.

The environment is a complex force continuously manipulating our knobs and switches from the moment of conception to embellish the traits we start with. Internally, we have hormones, metabolism, various cell types, different developmental stages, and thoughts. Externally, we are affected by diet, physical activity, social interactions, stressors, toxins, temperature, and light.¹⁰  Our whole lives, these internal and external factors act as the hands adjusting our knobs and switches, influencing how we take shape. 

Having a gene does not determine who we will be; they have to be turned on or expressed.¹¹ Some genes can remain in a dormant state forever, waiting for the environment to trigger them.¹² Just because we have a knob or switch does not mean it will be on or set to the max. Interactions with the environment continually express our genes and influence their position. Genes matter, but they do not determine physical and character traits on their own.¹³ Environmental forces impact the expression of our genes. We may be born with certain traits, but environmental interactions help express them, shaping who we are. 

A comprehensive analysis of nearly 3,000 studies on traits involving 14.6 million twins found that heritability across all traits is 49%.¹⁴ That is a generalized average across all traits, as genes define some up to 90%, while others only 20%. The environment adjusts them the rest of the way, impacting some traits more than others. Knobs and switches for physical characteristics tend to be more fixed in position, while intelligence, personality, and temperament are more responsive to the environment. We come with some genetic constraints, but there’s no saying how far the environment can take them. Although genes predefine our knobs and switches, the environment has a significant impact on how they are expressed. 

Every experience we have turns some knobs and not the others. Getting into a fight, studying, practicing a skill, or watching TV are all different environments that produce unique imprints on our genes. Our genes do not ask questions; they obediently adjust according to the environment we are in, regardless of whether it is good or bad for us.¹⁵ The environments we are in the most alter our knobs and switches, to help influence who we become. We spend our whole lives unknowingly allowing our environment to dictate the expression of our genes. 

We can strategically use our environment to shape our genes the way we want, at any time. By choosing the environments we expose ourselves to, we can take control of our genetic switchboard.  A professional athlete, actor, musician, or artist spends thousands of hours practising in a particular environment. Every second spent in training adjusts their genetic knobs and switches toward their skill. Genes respond adaptively to our environment, so directing how we spend our time gives us a say in how we develop. 

We are not born predestined to any life; by dictating how we spend our time, we take our destiny into our own hands. With gene-environment interaction, we can unlock the potential of our genes in any domain we choose. We put far more limitations on ourselves than our genes ever will.  

When trying to attain mastery, do not think about your genes. Simply get on the path and expose yourself to environments related to your goals, and your genes will obey. We will only know our true genetic potential after spending thousands of hours expressing our genes, and not a moment sooner. Also, remember that, in addition to our genes, we have a neural network that we wire through experience. By spending 10,000 hours in any domain, we will tune patterns for it, and because of our genes, the body will follow. Both genes and the brain take shape through thought and action; it is up to us to express them to their fullest potential. 

Endnotes

1. Kaufman, Scott. P.10. Ungifted: Intelligence Redefined. Basic Books, 2013.
2. Shenk, David. P.388. The Genius in All of Us: New Insights into Genetics, Talent, and IQ. Anchor, 2010.
3. Kaufman, Scott. P.10. Ungifted
4. Shenk, David. Location 231. The Genius in All of Us
5. Shenk, David. Location 231. The Genius in All of Us
6. Wright, Craig M. P.16. The Hidden Habits of Genius: Beyond Talent, IQ, and Grit—Unlocking the Secrets of Greatness. Dey Street Books, 2020
7. Wright, Craig M. P.16. The Hidden Habits of Genius
8. Levitin, Daniel J.. p.6 Successful Aging: A Neuroscientist Explores the Power and Potential of Our Lives. Allen Lane, 2020.
9. Mlodinow, Leonard.P.24. Elastic: Unlocking Your Brain’s Ability to Embrace Change. Vintage, 2018
10. Shenk, David. Location 241. The Genius in All of Us
11. Fabritius, Friederike, and Hans W. Hagemann. P.18. The Leading Brain: Neuroscience Hacks to Work Smarter, Better, Happier. TarcherPerigee, 2017.
12. Levitin, Daniel P.6. J.. Successful Aging
13. Shenk, David. Location 249. The Genius in All of Us
14. Myers, DMyers, David G..P.159. How Do We Know Ourselves?: Curiosities and Marvels of the Human Mind. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2022. Kindle
15. Shenk, David. Location 388. The Genius in All of Us