Maybe it is because our sensitivity to the nature vs. nurture debate is heightened due to class, but it seems to me that this topic is EVERYWHERE. There cover of Time magazine this week is no exception, as it depicts an artfully created black and white image of a nude pregnant woman (who is in pretty amazing shape for being quite far along). Photo touch ups aside, the article is titled “How the First Nine Months Shape the Rest of Your Life”. Instead of saying that genes are the end all, it focuses on a field known as fetal origins, which asserts that the nine months of gestation are the most important in a person’s life. The article goes on to say that the effects during this time period are virtually limitless, from future problems with the functioning of organs, to allergies, obesity, and even mental illness. Scientists hope that the field of fetal origins can lead to prevention programs in the future, and the National Institutes of Health is beginning a longitudinal studying investigating participants from the fetus and beyond for decades to come. Interestingly, the article never actually uses the word “nature” but from our class discussions, I think we can agree that is what they are talking about here.
The article! http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,2020815,00.html
On Psychology and Neuroscience 
Sara,
This article reminds me of America’s obsession with superlatives. We are always so interested in the most influential time, the healthiest foods to eat, the best place to vacation, the fastest way to prepare dinner. It seems to me, however, that the world operates – in almost all instances – somewhere closer to the middle ground. While the first 9 months of life are certainly important, it seems likely that such an extreme statement as “the most important time in a person’s life” could be oversimplifying the complex process of life.
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