The Third Element: Natal Expressions

A new way to understand human development—beyond nature vs nurture.

For decades, we’ve explained human difference through two forces: 

• Genetics (Nature)
  What we inherit

• Nurturing (Environment)
  What we learn

But is there something missing?

Is the debate incomplete?

The Third Element: Natal Expressions argues that early biological vulnerabilities during the natal period redirect/shape how the brain organizes itself and thus, play a significant part in defining who we become—before learning even begins.

These early conditions don’t just influence development—they skew how we experience the world and how we become who we become.

This third element helps explain why individuals respond differently to the same world—even having experienced similar conditions.

Therefore Three Forces Shape Us

• Nature, inherited DNA

• Natal Expressions, conditions that may redirect development

• Nurture, learning and experience
   

The Third Element: Natal Expressions expands this idea into a complete framework for understanding development, learning, and human difference.

• Natal Expressions help define and explain diversity.