My Genes Made Me Do It!: Moral Education, Charlotte Mason, and the New Genetics

Genes deeply shape each person's body and behavior, but they do not fully determine either. Human beings are sufficiently complex to make choices about what genetic tendencies to implement, and if so, how and when. It is fitting then to teach in a way that best connects with and builds upon each child's individual capacities and temperament, without being limited to merely the student's or teacher's first inclinations. We have genuine choice in how we channel genetic influence and so are able to shape who we become. Developing practiced virtues of well-focused attention and self-motivation are valuable for education and the rest of life. They are best recognized, emulated, and practiced out of joyful relationship with the source of all that is good.