why do we do the things that we do?*

I believe our behavior is most influenced by our past and the society or culture we live in (psychodynamic approach); our personality is shaped up by the experiences and memories that occured during our childhood and our parents' actions. For example, a child abused by his parents is more likely to develop into a troubled, cruel adult who might repeat the same action with his own family. Certain people who encountered distressing, painful pasts that have robbed them of morality are probably more likely to one day become criminals, alcoholics, or victims of mental disorders.

Our surroundings-- the culture we live in, the customs we are bound to practice-- also affect who we turn out to be. If everybody around you expects you to act a certain way and conform to the rules, it is difficult to say 'no' and behave differently, therefore certain groups of people usually--although not always true-- have similar lifestyles, thought processes (cognitive approach), and behaviors. Members of different nationalities and racial backgrounds have varied behaviors-- for instance, as Thais, we often find it very impolite to be totally open about what we really feel about something; westerns are more likely to be more flexible and straightforward. To me, I think these factors affect us more than our genetic inheritance (biological perspective), although this plays a role in determining our actions' causes.

-- yuki