Given the finger

Research results, published in today’s edition of the on-line news summary Science Daily, lend further support to the genetic determination of personality and behavior.

In an ongoing study at Britain’s Teesside University, it has been noted that relative finger size, in which the ring finger is compared to the index finger, a ratio determined by the amount of testosterone exposure before birth, can be an indicator of “mental toughness” and sports acuity later in life. Specifically, the longer the ring finger is in comparison to the index finger, the more this sports and mental toughness trait manifests itself.

I had read of a similar study some years ago in which it was found that these finger length ratios were related to sports ability. This type of data is what has helped me to conclude that our personality and behavior is governed by our own specific biology more than anything else.

For me this has significant implications regarding many common assumptions. For instance, if certain criminal behaviors are primarily the result of biological influences, no amount of incarceration, rehabilitative or otherwise, is going to be successful in correcting it on a wide scale.

In practical application, it may mean that we need to rethink our approach to criminal justice. Perhaps direct medical intervention would be more effective in deterrence. I’m just saying.

It may also suggest that finding true compromise in political controversies may be as easy as convincing the other side to grow taller.

Or that cultures whose members identify more with their social roles will be unlikely to embrace the customs and traditions of a society based on rugged individualism.

Or that there may be actual physical differences between peoples that see themselves as part of nature and groups that see nature as something in opposition that must be subdued.

The relevance would reach all facets of human interaction—if we can accept ourselves in this way.

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