nature passes nurture

used to suggest that a person's innate qualities and traits have a greater impact on their development and behavior than external factors such as upbringing or environment

The origin of the proverb "nature passes nurture" is often linked to philosophical discussions in the 17th and 18th centuries, notably by thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, though it is not tied to a single definitive source. The saying emphasizes the belief that, despite external influences, a person's inherent nature or genetics plays a dominant role in shaping who they become. It serves as a reminder that some traits, such as personality or behavior, may be more deeply ingrained than learned or influenced by environment.