WHO WE BECOME

I was listening to a book on tape called the Social Animal and I had a strong reaction to the way the author, David Brooks, described the formation of a new human being, particularly the mind.

His impression, after surveying the existing research and literature was more of a Tableau Rosa.

He gives voice to the fact that we are largely our unconscious selves made manifest. His belief seems to stem from the fact that life is simply too complex and coming at us too fast to rely solely on our conscious minds. 

Is there more to who we become. How much say do we have in who we become. It seems to me a mysterious combination of  genes, choice, chance, cultural memes, the historical period into which we are born and the people and events of our lives. 

What role does mental illness play?