Can people change?

[XMan]

On the surface, it seems like a strange question, yes. But it's basically what I mean. As people get older and more mature, can they change? Or are we pretty much set in stone in our behaviors and thoughts after a certain point in our life?

What is the likelihood of "growing up" . . . obviously it would be better in someone younger, but how about an adult? Would somebody 20 years old be more likely to change than 40 years old?

 

[Total Refected Power]

I believe the core personality is there and only strong discipline or a life-altering event can a person's attitude. A 20 yr old compared to a 40 yr old will evolve more since the 20 yr old still has a lot to learn about life.

 

[Wallydraigle]

You can bury what's inside but I don't think you can change it.

 

[Dedpuhl]

Old people seem to be resistant to change.

 

[TheDennis]

I think you can only change if you want to change. If you wanna stay the same way then you are. You decide want you wanna do and how you wanna be.

 

[Optimus]

Yes, people can change somewhat, but not everything, not always completely, and not always permanently.

Thats what makes it hard to tell...

 

[Raspewtin]

when I worked at a hospital nursery with day-old infants, it was really obvious how much personality is actually genetic, and pre-determined. I think that part can't be changed but the rest can; as we get older, I think we get more tired re: change, not incapable of it.

 

[Muadib]

I agree with trp, as it's been my experience that only a life-altering event can change a person. My half sister is a prime example. Her ex was truly horrible to her for years. She finally left him, and shortly after that, found religon. I don't think she ever went to church prior to leaving him, but now that's all she lives for.

 

[StageLeft]

trp saved me the effort.

I know that I personally have not changed my primary weakness: laziness. I've been lazy and procrastinated for years; I've changed it to a degree but generally I still leave stuff off...I AM getting better though - but this is because I damn near ruined my schooling life at the beginning of the year and although I managed to scrape by (as i've done so many times), it brought light to the matter. Given this year's reflections I feel I've matured a lot and all is good now...but it takes something significant for major changes.

 

[Soybomb]

I think we can change on our own free will or through the influence of others even though its hard to do. Drugs can also change a person easily though.

 

[Elita1]

Yes, people can change.
But everyone is different so some can change more easily than others.
Even the most stubborn can change. The question is what does it take?

 

[kduncan5]

In my life, the older I get the harder it is for me to change. Unless it's a "life altering, or threatening event", like almost dying from alcohol and drug abuse for example.

Then there are the people who just never seem to grow up.

I think it depends on each individual as a living, breathing, thinking person. -kd5-

 

[vi edit]

To put it shortly, yes.

 

[Russ]

Yes, people can change. I used to be caustic, sarcastic and acerbic. Now, I'm warm, fuzzy and lovable.

Russ, NCNE

 

[mztykal]

To answer your question, yes. No bring on the next question.


-MzTyKaL

 

[SpeedGod]

Hmm, i guess people can change, only for them self and if they want to.