I like to explore family resemblances – be they physical, or likenesses in temperament, character, emotion, behaviour, health and so on. It’s fun to observe the interplay between genetic inheritance, upbringing and socialization.
Before Leo, my thoughts about these things where simpler, something along the lines of: your body and intelligence are mostly inherited while upbringing and socialization determine your personality. These assumptions are probably not wrong, but the idea of a baby born with a “clean slate” ready for us to fill, now just seems like wishful thinking.
Leo, a colicy and tense newborn, was never a relaxed infant (despite Baby Tui Na Chinese massage and other efforts). He was a doer from the start, hampered only by his own impatience. Ambition is still a hallmark of his everyday behavior, as well as fits of frustrated complaining when his goals are not easily fulfilled. He loves to interact with others and readily assumes a dominant role. When Leo stomps around the house, I am reminded of my own mother complaining that I stomp around like an elephant.
I am both proud and amazed to see so much of Jan and myself in Leo. I no longer believe that we can form his personality. We can only help and guide him to make the best of what he is.
These days scientists are even discovering genetic dispositions that have an effect on personality. Everyone, for example, has genes that are responsible for building “specialized modules” in their brain (for example, we all have a brain module that can recognize when we’re in a public setting), but individual gene variants trigger the brain’s response – introverted or extroverted – to this recognized scenario. These discoveries might lead us to think differently about why we are who we are.
The picture on the left was taken recently for Leo’s new biometric passport.
So who does Leo look like the most? Jan? Linnea? His aunt Ilka?
Or somebody else?
More pictures to help you decide.
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