Our History Explains Something and Causes Nothing

It has become natural for most of us to explain our present character by exploring our past experiences. This is especially true when our character is deficient in some way. If we are overly meek and passive, it's because we did not receive enough affirmation as a child. If we can't relate to men, it's because our father was distant. If we frequently lash out in anger, even with violence, it's because we were picked on in the classroom.

Now obviously our past is not insignificant. A good...