I.D.

Winifred Gallagher

Weaving together the findings of a highly diverse group of scientists - geneticists and psychoanalysts, neuroscientists and primatologists - Winifred Gallagher shows how cutting-edge research is unlocking the secrets of human individuality. It's now clear that we are each born with a certain temperament that pushes some people toward the adrenaline highs of race-car driving, the introspection of the writing life, or the socializing of the campaign trail. This disposition isn't just "psychological," but physiological, too; a unique mind/body identity. But, as I.D. stresses, acknowledging personality's genetic roots makes it all the more imperative that we understand the role played by environment - not only because it's powerful but also because, unlike our genes, we can do something about it. Indeed, science's ancient definition of temperament as inborn is currently being rewritten...

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