The software is the network of neurons and synapses. That is largely self programmed from our inputs - visual, auditory, tactile, smell etc. We write our own software, and we can reprogram it at any time.

The basic brain structure - cerebellum, hypothalamus etc are genetic. THe same goes for the voice box structure that enables us to talk.  The genes basically assemble the brain cells, all 200 billion of them and says when to stop, but the connections between the brain cells are largely up to the individual. I say largely because of recent findings from epigenetics. 

Language disorders can be epigenetic. They are barriers to the normal process of learning a language. If you Google Epigenetic, you'll be amazed at how important this field has become.

NorthOfNorth wrote on Mar 17^th, 2013 at 12:43pm:


Didn't the orangutans learn that by observing humans?
Still, I don't doubt they have their own memes. But I don't think we could say a meme can be created without emerging initially from bodily processes - which would include our psyche, biology, physiology etc.

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Mar 21^st, 2013 at 7:40am:

True. There are better examples of apes and monkeys imitating the behavior of other apes and monkeys.
Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Mar 21^st, 2013 at 7:40am:

Undoubtedly true.