Not in your genes : the real reasons children are like their parents /

Includes bibliographical references and index.

There is a prevailing myth - in both modern society and in modern science - that who we are is largely down to our genetic code. Most of us believe that our personalities, abilities and health are down to a combination of both our upbringing and our natural genetic makeup. Labels we are given as a child continue through to our adult years - often holding us back and stopping us from change. However, in this new book, Oliver James uncovers the truth about genetics: that our genes actually play very little part in shaping who we are. In fact, nearly all of the psychological differences between us are caused by our upbringing and environment, and in disease only a tiny 5-10% of cases are caused by genes. Oliver James not only demonstrates how our past and present affect us and they way we behave, but shows how this opens us up for unexpected opportunities for change.