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There is a debate, almost as old as time itself, regarding the primary influence on human behavior and development and whether it is due to nature or the environment (nurture). Karan explores this topic in depth. The author lays the foundation of his thought process by starting with the research and philosophies surrounding the impact that both nature and nurture play in human behavior and development.
The diverse viewpoints are backed up by quotes, widely accepted psychology principles (i.e., Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, introversion vs. extraversion, etc.), and research studies. However, unlike a traditional nonfiction book that uses academia to support a viewpoint, Karan doesn’t cite the research sources that he mentions, making it difficult for a reader to pursue further the academic side of these topics. Nonetheless, this doesn’t detract from the message, or the purpose of presenting this information, which is to guide readers on how to harness the knowledge in a way to make changes to either their outlook on life or lifestyle.
What makes Karan’s work stand out is how he uses nature and nurture principles on classic virtues and habits (such as garnering a balance of patience or increasing happiness) to ones that are applicable for the modern age. A wonderful example of this is in a section called “Mind and Body,” where the modern culture of technology and social networking has influenced both human lifestyle and the general population’s outlook on life. This book will appeal to readers who either want a further understanding of the nature vs. nurture debate or who are looking to change their lives.