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> Why would it be different for humans.

Because animals typically live in a way more static and uneventful environments, and they have much more limited mental capabilities?

Humans (and other animals) aren't a completely black slate - but unlike most animals, humans have very complex societies that affect their behaviors throughout their entire lives. A few years in a different environment start to change people. Kids (with their still-growing brains) adapt faster, adults - not so much, but the traces will be evident. Move a not-too-fucked-up Russian to the Pacific Northwest, and they will eventually start to smile now and then.

Also, thanks to the language, humans can think things up even when alone, drive themselves crazy in all the weird ways, then overcome all that self-inflicted stress and possibly develop some behaviors as a result.

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apwell23 a day ago | parent [-]

base temperament is irrelevant then?

My shy cat could've been a party animal like her sister :)

	▲	drdaeman a day ago \| parent [-]
		Of course it's relevant, by definition of "temperament". The question is how much of our (very complex) behavior is biologically based and independent of learning. For a cat, it probably plays a significant role. Cat behaviors are complex but still much more simpler than humans. And changes are rare. Although I've heard of a "lazy" apathetic cat moving into a house with giant outdoor catio and becoming drastically more active, almost like a different kitty. I'm not sure about humans - how much of our behavior is a true temperament and how much isn't despite tending to not change throughout one's life. I've seen introverts becoming eager activists after they went through some bad things, like war and prison. I've seen people who were jumpy and always nervous becoming relaxed after many years in safety.