ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Hereditarianism

Hereditarianism is the idea that our abilities and traits, like intelligence or personality, are determined mainly by our genes that we inherit from our parents. It suggests that some people are born with certain advantages or disadvantages that affect their abilities.

Think of it like building a house. The blueprint for the house is like our genes, and the workers who built it are our environment and experiences. If the blueprint is a good one, the workers have an easier time building a sturdy and functional house. But if the blueprint is flawed, the workers might struggle to build a good house, no matter how hard they try.

Hereditarianism suggests that some people are born with better blueprints than others, which affects their abilities and potential. But it's important to remember that environment and experience also play a big role in shaping who we are and what we can achieve. So while genes are important, they are not the only factor that determines our abilities and potential.