>Man is born "tabula-rasa"
>
>Not even sure that's true. He's burdened (or otherwise) with his DNA.
>
>According to Dawkins, Steve Jones et al there's a gene for altruism. 'The origins of virtue' by Matt Ridley is worth reading.....

One of your most eloquent countrymen put it this way:

Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come