One of your best! Also love the story of the aristocrats/servants, a good example of how stories from the past may not be what they seem. So much pressure to re-invent yourself in a new place. And conversely--in many families--to prove to the folks back home that you're doing well.
Maybe epigenetics comes in here? This is an interesting somewhat new field of study around things like inherited trauma, where the trauma happened generations ago, for example. Also, a general approach to life or particular personality trait can be copied through observation and imitation without the mechanism being fully appreciated as such, for example, a sense of humor may seem to be passed on when a child has seen that in a relative and subconsciously imitated it. Some of the children in a family will seem to inherit a disposition or attitude that others in the family don't! Thinking of my husband's family here, where there are five very different children with very different attitudes and behaviors around almost everything, from alcohol use to fiscal prudence, etc.
One of your best! Also love the story of the aristocrats/servants, a good example of how stories from the past may not be what they seem. So much pressure to re-invent yourself in a new place. And conversely--in many families--to prove to the folks back home that you're doing well.
So true, emigration gave many people new life stories.
I got my dad's sense of humor and I'm so very grateful for that. I also got my mother's judgementalism...a gene i hope will end with me.
Love both of these, think I might be right there with you.
Maybe epigenetics comes in here? This is an interesting somewhat new field of study around things like inherited trauma, where the trauma happened generations ago, for example. Also, a general approach to life or particular personality trait can be copied through observation and imitation without the mechanism being fully appreciated as such, for example, a sense of humor may seem to be passed on when a child has seen that in a relative and subconsciously imitated it. Some of the children in a family will seem to inherit a disposition or attitude that others in the family don't! Thinking of my husband's family here, where there are five very different children with very different attitudes and behaviors around almost everything, from alcohol use to fiscal prudence, etc.
I agree, but how to explain shared characteristics with people who have never met? Interesting discussion for sure
So much to think about and try to understand!