Is this a comforting or an alarming thought?

Question

"For better or for worse, we carry the DNA of our parents."

Answer 1

Filipinos are so proud of their geneology and that must be the reason we see 4 generations of families living happily together.

Answer 2

Neither comforting nor alarming. It is information, plain and simple.

With this information, we know what illnesses we are prone to, and can act to prevent it. For instance, while diabetes is hereditary, one should not assume that he should have diabetes. He needs to live healthy lifestyle ( a healthier lifestyle than those less prone) and mind his intake of sugar. And make sure he maintains a good weight, etc etc. Therefore, the DNA we inherited, and the illnesses that come with it, can be proactively handled. Thus, it is not alarming (not dreadful).

Not comforting, too, since a good DNA from our parents should not give us the excuse to live life excessively. Illnesses are not just DNA-based.  

Answer 3

It's comforting for me. I like my folks :)

Answer 4

both,  i do carry the good  traits of my parents(i.e. intelligence, good looks, drive for success, etc.)  but within my make up i do have asthma, diabetes, and certain allergies that needs to be watched carefully.

Answer 5

It is a comforting thought, in terms of honoring our parents.   That in our veins still runs the blood of heroes.  That their dreams and aspirations shall be continued by us, and that we shall see them through, or should we fail in our lifetime,  then the torch passes to our children.

It is an alarming thought when, for example, one or both our parents have a rare disease which may shorten our life span.

But don't worry.  Genetic engineering is now the vogue, and they need only to zap one code there, rebuild another in its place, and voila!  We are instant celebs in Smallville!

Answer 6

It can be both, depending on what those DNAs are.  If you have good DNAs the better for the offspring.  If not, well, there's a good chance the progeny/ies can be scoundrels when they grow up.  DNAs also influence the intelligence of the offspring.  So it follows that if one or both of the parents are intelligent, there's a good chance the children will be intelligent, too.