A fascinating conversation with behavioral geneticist Robert Plomin, who argues that genetic differences account for about 50% of the variation in almost every psychological trait, from intelligence to propensity to divorce. The author explains that while upbringing matters for well-being, parents do not "glue" a child's personality, and the home environment acts on siblings in unique rather than unifying ways. A key concept is the probabilistic nature of genes, meaning that DNA only offers inclinations that interact with the environment, allowing us to "become ourselves" more and more over time. Plomin also argues for a quantitative approach to mental health, suggesting that disorders are merely extremes of the normal distribution of traits we all possess. Ultimately, the text promotes genetic awareness as a tool for self-acceptance and better supporting children's natural talents instead of fighting against their biological foundation. Here is a summary of the key statistics and figures in the sources and the history of the conversation: 99.8% of DNA base pairs are identical in all humans; only 0.1-0.2% of the genetic code is responsible for differences between us. On average, 50% of the variance (differences between individuals) in all psychological traits is due to inherited differences in DNA. The heritability of cognitive ability is about 60%, while that of personality and kindness is about 40%. The influence of genetics on intelligence increases with age: from 20% in infancy, through 40% in childhood, to 60-80% in adulthood. Television viewing is an inherited trait at about 40%. The correlation between spouses is 0.6 for verbal ability, 0.2 for height, and just 0.1 for personality traits. The human genome consists of 3 billion base pairs, and commercial genetic tests (such as 23andMe) have already been performed by more than 27 million people. The British research project "Our Future Health" has 5 million participants. In Ireland, 1 in 19 people are carriers of the cystic fibrosis gene, giving a 1 in 375 chance of two carriers being related. Preventing heart attacks through DNA diagnosis could save the NHS £700,000 per case. School quality (Ofsted rankings) accounts for only 4% of the variation in GCSE exam results (according to information from interview history). Current polygenic rates predict 15% of the variation in school achievement (according to interview history information). Children with the highest polygenic score have a 75% chance of getting into college, compared to 25% for the lowest group (according to information from the interview history). Genes act like "nudges" (nudges) - they don't inevitably determine our lives, but they do determine the statistical probability of certain traits and behaviors.