This sounds whiny to some – especially cultural conservatives, but let’s discuss it. Like a lot of sayings, it has some heavy truth to it, hence why it’s a popular saying.
Anyhow, despite the claims of the pro-genetics crowd, the environment is still quite powerful in determining what happens in someone’s life. Someone with bad genetics given a bad environment will obviously come out worse than someone with bad genetics and a good environment.
In fact, the situation would probably be way worse. Our society, contrary to what some cultural conservatives think, hasn’t really improved the environment (the U.S. one) – at least, not enough!
So what a tragedy is it to see someone fry because they were sexually/physically abused a child despite the fact we grow up with real choices. Yes, very sad!