tabula rasa

Tabula rasa, a Latin term meaning "blank slate," is the idea that individuals are born without built-in mental content, and their knowledge and personality are shaped entirely by experiences and environment. Think of the mind at birth as a clean slate, which writing on is influenced by education, culture, and personal interactions. This concept emphasizes the importance of learning and environment in human development, suggesting that qualities like beliefs, behaviors, and skills are acquired rather than innate. It has significantly influenced psychology and philosophy, highlighting the potential for change and growth throughout life.