Back in my Philosophy undergrad, I remember how often we debated free will. Reading Skinner later made me rethink those discussions. He suggests that what we think of as “free will” is really shaped by reinforcement and environment. At first that felt limiting, but the more I reflect, the more I see it in practice. Teachers, for example, aren’t just content-deliverers—they create the conditions that shape how students behave and learn. On nature vs. nurture, my own journey shows me how powerful nurture can be. I know my mentors and professors influenced me more than any “natural ability.” Intelligence tests, though, still leave me conflicted. I’ve taken some, and while they measure certain skills, they don’t capture traits like creativity or persistence that philosophy classes helped me develop. The danger is reducing people to numbers, but if used carefully, they can point out useful areas to grow.

One behaviorist idea that really connects with me is positive reinforcement. In college, I had a professor who always gave quick, thoughtful feedback when I spoke up. That small act pushed me to keep engaging, even in tough discussions. Later in work settings, I’ve seen the same thing—when people feel recognized, they lean in more. Reinforcement, in that sense, isn’t just about repeating behaviors; it’s about building confidence and encouraging growth. Has anyone else noticed this in their classes or work?