What does Beatty quote means when he says Heredity and environment are funny things?

Answer 1

When Beatty says, "Heredity and environment are funny things," he suggests that both factors play a complex role in shaping an individual's identity and behavior. It implies that while genetics (heredity) can influence traits and tendencies, the surrounding circumstances and upbringing (environment) can significantly alter or enhance those traits. This statement reflects a deeper commentary on how societal and familial contexts can lead to unexpected outcomes in people's lives, highlighting the unpredictability of human development.