Author Topic: Love for cars : genetic or cultural? (Read 3389 times)

aquadorhj · « **on:** December 11, 2009, 09:12:17 pm »

I've pondered this question oftentimes, when I'm stuck in traffic, or during my pre-sleep meditation routine..

I love cars as a lot of you do.
There are different aspect of cars that I love, the sound, the feel, the shape, the history, the philosophy behind the production, the engineering involved, the driving...

I love working on them, I love hearing them (not all, but most engines/exhaust) and I love talking about them.

But why? Why do I love it so much?

I've always been "interested" in cars. but I've also always been interested in other things as well, pretty much anything that was engineered with meticulous care or intricacies like wrist watches, computers and industrial tools.

Is this genetic thing or cultural(learned)? I could argue with myself forever...
for example, I am not musically trained, and I don't listen to enough music to be able to differentiate what's what but when I hear certain classic music or certain rhythm, I can feel it stirring my soul, the effect reverberating to my very core. It's not a culture thing, at least I don't think, because if I know nothing about music, How can I feel so much of it? those certain music or melody somehow tickles my genes and have effect on my very being.. I have almost similar feeling from hearing the idling rumble of V8 engines.

On the other hand, I read every car megazine, printed or online, that I could get my hands on since '97 and I learn more about it almost everyday. the more time I spend on learning about cars, the more I love them. being surrounded by car everyday, working on them, visiting car-shows, talking to other enthusiast ... all these probably culture my affection towards cars...

I've rambled on long enough.

Does your love of cars come from your surroundings or were you born with "I heart Cars" tattooed on your genetic pattern?

Giant Dwarf · « **Reply #1 on:** December 11, 2009, 10:42:40 pm »

I would say it's neither genetic nor cultural but rather predominantly environmental. If your surroundings during your formative years are very automotive-centric, I'd say it's more likely you'll develop an appreciation for them as well. Passion for cars knows no race or geographic boundary -- there'll always those of us whose ears perk up at the sound of a high-revving performance engine and lust for sexy automotive design or hunger for a bit more speed or power.

ovr50 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 11, 2009, 11:19:35 pm »

In my case, don't think genetic as my Mom never learned to drive and is a nervous passenger. My biological father died when I was 7 months old but don't recall any stories about him that were auto-oriented. My Mom remarried when I was 5, and my step-dad owned a Ford dealership in a small Alberta town. I could name the make and year of every car on the road in the 50s. I hung around the garage, pumped gas and messed around in the back shop.

Most of my (step) uncles were farmers, thus lots of machinery. I learned to drive tractor and grain truck at age 12. Got my driver's licence two days after turning 16.

I guess you could say I never looked back after that. So I guess, cultural..??

Mitlov · « **Reply #3 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:38:18 am »

How could it be genetic? Humankind has existed for hundreds of thousands of years and cars have existed for a bit over one hundred.

1TSX · « **Reply #4 on:** December 12, 2009, 12:52:11 am »

My dad got me into cars. No one is as car obsessed as us 2 in our family+extended family.

inco · « **Reply #5 on:** December 12, 2009, 07:13:07 am »

I blame my father - was auto deprived when I was young.

Marko · « **Reply #6 on:** December 12, 2009, 05:25:40 pm »

My parents always bought cheap entry-model economy cars, so as a result I have the need to have a nice car. Sort of the same way that someone who grew up during the depression is usually very thrifty.

safristi · « **Reply #7 on:** December 12, 2009, 05:35:53 pm »

..when can U put something U love out in the cold fer 6 months...ignore it....don't let it bathe...and then start it UP from cold..and swear when it's NOT HOT ENUF !!!!,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

,,,,and then........................

there is the ISSUE.....with the LOVE FOR CARS,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

articsteve · « **Reply #8 on:** December 12, 2009, 06:27:05 pm »

Enviromental like the GIANT ONE said.

Julie · « **Reply #9 on:** December 12, 2009, 09:00:15 pm »

Interesting question.

I was born with a pre-disposition for sure. Father said the first English words I learned were the names of all the cars that drove down the street. However, neither parent was interested in cars. No one in my extended family either. *shrug*

Always drove used, cheap econocars until finally finished my decades in school and started making money... then bam! The autofever started.

dr_spock · « **Reply #10 on:** December 13, 2009, 12:15:42 am »

I don't think it is genetic or cultural. I wasn't born with a silver muffler in my mouth nor we had a car when I was young. Maybe the love of engineering might have something to do with it.

Mitlov · « **Reply #11 on:** December 13, 2009, 03:12:29 am »

Quote from: dr_spock on December 13, 2009, 12:15:42 am

Maybe the love of engineering might have something to do with it.

Actually, there might be something to that. I think that an innate interest for, and talent in, tool use could be genetic. Just like some people are more into athletics (and more athletically talented) than others. Tools have been around as long as homo sapiens have. But the specific tool that a tool-inclined person becomes interested in--whether it be cars, ship-building, firearms, etc--depends entirely on the environment where the person is raised.

And the environment where you're raised doesn't have to be your parents. Maybe your neighbors had cool cars when you grew up. Maybe your childhood social circle were all into cars, so you got into them too. Maybe a movie that was pivotal to your childhood had a great car chase in it. Et cetera.

safristi · « **Reply #12 on:** December 13, 2009, 09:01:09 am »

..well if'n it's about tools that would be genetic.................

...pass me that wench........................

Turbo Bob · « **Reply #13 on:** December 13, 2009, 09:34:20 am »

I think it's partly nurture too. My Dad likes them, I do too, now Elliot does. (and Arianwen

)

I'm sure you can easily come up with your own interests without any parental involvement but it certainly can sway opinion during development. That's why so many kids have the same views on sports and politics etc. as their parents.

aquadorhj · « **Reply #14 on:** December 15, 2009, 10:27:32 am »

Just a quick thank you for participating. it satisfied my curiosity.

Thanks!

Winklovic · « **Reply #15 on:** December 15, 2009, 06:33:36 pm »

There must be a genetic component to it as my Mom says that I've "always" like cars. Listening to a high horsepower engine, like one using nitromethane for fuel, is almost a spiritual event for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyvodTwy2Ek

rrocket · « **Reply #16 on:** December 15, 2009, 06:55:38 pm »

No genetic component here. My folks could care less about cars. They didn't dissuade us from liking them however. My dad bought me my first motorcycle when I was 5. (1975 Honda MR50)

hoperrs · « **Reply #17 on:** December 17, 2009, 12:52:41 pm »

Cars are just a way to get you and your things from point A to point B, imo. Love people, not things.

Winklovic · « **Reply #18 on:** December 17, 2009, 01:02:11 pm »

Quote from: hoperrs on December 17, 2009, 12:52:41 pm

Cars are just a way to get you and your things from point A to point B, imo. Love people, not things.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm

ovr50 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 17, 2009, 01:04:48 pm »

Quote from: hoperrs on December 17, 2009, 12:52:41 pm

Cars are just a way to get you and your things from point A to point B, imo. Love people, not things.

What brings you to a car enthusiasts site then??

Poll

As the subject line says, I don't think this question has ever been addressed before. I'll expand on what i'm asking below.

Author Topic: Love for cars : genetic or cultural? (Read 3389 times)