Environmental Factors and Genetic Factors: Which Plays a Greater Role on Determining Intelligence?

We are all born with a unique genetic blueprint, which lays out the basic characteristics of our personality as well as our physical health and appearance... and yet, we all know that life experiences do change us (Joan D. Virge). So, which do you think plays a greater role on determining intelligence, is it by genetic factors or environmental factors?

The nature-nurture debate has been a big issue over the centuries. Many professionals claimed that their success is because of the inheritance of their ancestors who have better genes than others. Yet, many research shows that genetic influence on intelligence is not the cause of wide-achievement gap in society. We are products of our genes, there is no doubt about that but our genes operate in complex ways with our surroundings. They can be activated or deactivated depending on our home environment: our culture, schooling, family, friends, and a multitude of influences in which we interact as an individual with the outside world. If you would ask me, I believe that intelligence depends more on the environment than genes. Why?

According to the groundbreaking research of Eric Kandel about plasticity of the brain, our mind keeps on developing throughout life making new connections between neurons. Neuroplasticity means that as you learn new information and skills, your brain changes and grows. That's the idea of maturity! And that's the reason why most of us think in different ways, due to different experiences.

Another reason on why intelligence depends more on the environment is our schooling. Do you think that a child who always feel lazy in class have the same