Discuss

Both. IMO most of it would be developed. I don't think we understand the brain enough to know for sure.

(06-23-2014 10:04 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  Both. IMO most of it would be developed. I don't think we understand the brain enough to know for sure.

I can tell you I came from a very apolitical family and my thought processes and reaction to news were always conservative. Now obviously my thoughts and ideas are refined with more knowledge, but I think I was born with a conservative instinct if you will.

I think conservatism is like broccoli, sometimes
it takes awhile to enjoy that which is good for us.

Some people truly dislike broccoli.

You might basically be conservative, but you develop more traits along the way.

(06-23-2014 10:13 AM)AngryAphid Wrote:  I think conservatism is like broccoli, sometimes
it takes awhile to enjoy that which is good for us.

Some people truly dislike broccoli.

I'll go with this answer.

(06-23-2014 10:08 AM)EverRespect Wrote:  

(06-23-2014 10:04 AM)NIU007 Wrote:  Both. IMO most of it would be developed. I don't think we understand the brain enough to know for sure.

I can tell you I came from a very apolitical family and my thought processes and reaction to news were always conservative. Now obviously my thoughts and ideas are refined with more knowledge, but I think I was born with a conservative instinct if you will.

It still could have been your environment outside of your family that made you conservative. But like I said, I don't claim to know. Some of it could be inborn, I still think that environment is the bigger factor.

I think you're a blank slate, whose opinions begin forming with the first sensory input.

I think it's mainly from "learned experiences" first and foremost follwed by how one was raised that attributes most to one's political ideology.

I grew up in a solid working class/Democratic neighborhood. My father worked at a steel mill and was President of the local. I worked at the steel mill while in college and belonged to the union. I went to a very liberal university (even in the 1960s, it was considered far left). My first Presidential election vote went to Hubert Humphrey.

At about 25, I had the epiphany of conservatism. Re-registered Republican and been on the path to prosperity since then.

(06-23-2014 10:29 AM)QuestionSocratic Wrote:  I grew up in a solid working class/Democratic neighborhood. My father worked at a steel mill and was President of the local. I worked at the steel mill while in college and belonged to the union. I went to a very liberal university (even in the 1960s, it was considered far left). My first Presidential election vote went to Hubert Humphrey.

At about 25, I had the epiphany of conservatism. Re-registered Republican and been on the path to prosperity since then.

Oprah thinks you'd be better off dead.

Why I don't completely agree with Churchill, here is his famous quote on this issue...


“Show me a young Conservative and I'll show you someone with no heart. Show me an old Liberal and I'll show you someone with no brains.”

― Winston Churchill

(06-23-2014 10:20 AM)Smaug Wrote:  I think you're a blank slate, whose opinions begin forming with the first sensory input.

It’s possible that liberalism is born at the moment a Mom tells a toddler
to “share your toy” with the kid that just tried to take it.

(06-23-2014 10:33 AM)AngryAphid Wrote:  

(06-23-2014 10:20 AM)Smaug Wrote:  I think you're a blank slate, whose opinions begin forming with the first sensory input.

It’s possible that liberalism is born at the moment a Mom tells a toddler
to “share your toy” with the kid that just tried to take it.

I was born with a general concern for my fellow man. Especially the poor. What does that make me?

(06-23-2014 10:56 AM)Fitbud Wrote:  I was born with a general concern for my fellow man.

No you weren't. Newborns are the most egocentric people on the planet. Their needs first, last, always.

A little of both.

My parents were sort of apolitical, my dad didn't feel the need to vote until 2004. When discussing where they stood on things, they never went farther than saying something like "I just want a good leader". That quality has changed parties from time to time.

The only thing they were passionate about is not putting to much stock in what politicians say. If your life essentially becomes standing up for specific candidates, well then you're truly depending on the government.

I've always taken the second part to heart.

David Hume says you develop that and I'm in his camp.

(06-23-2014 11:00 AM)Smaug Wrote:  

(06-23-2014 10:56 AM)Fitbud Wrote:  I was born with a general concern for my fellow man.

No you weren't. Newborns are the most egocentric people on the planet. Their needs first, last, always.

I stand corrected.

You're right. However, somewhere along the way, I started feeling sorry for the downtrodden and have had a place in my heart for them ever since.

(06-23-2014 10:56 AM)Fitbud Wrote:  I was born with a general concern for my fellow man. Especially the poor. What does that make me?

Jesus?