Genetics and Human Behavior: Evolution vs. Free Will

Catherine Fitzsimmons

Our understanding of the inner self is fluid and almost undefined because of its many interpretations. The topic I wanted to research was the relationship, if any, between human behavior and biological influences. Can everything we do and every decision we make be explained by genetics? In my research, I found that most of our daily actions have hidden motivations that related back to our genetic standards. For example, makeup, something used by millions of women all over the world, is often used to create symmetry in the face which is a trend that can be traced back to the Stone Age. Symmetry in an individual's face was an indicator of good health, which one could call a subconscious motivation for facial perfection. In conclusion, I discovered that human behavior is strongly influenced by genetic motivations.