Kathryn Paige Harden - Original Sin: On The Genetics of Vice, The Problem of Blame, And the Future of Forgiveness episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 16, 2026 · 1H 25M

Kathryn Paige Harden - Original Sin: On The Genetics of Vice, The Problem of Blame, And the Future of Forgiveness

from A Book with Legs

How much of our temperament and behavior is passed through DNA, and how do we punish those whose behavior may be shaped by genetic forces outside of their control?These concepts are explored in the latest episode of A Book with Legs, where Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead is joined by professor, scientist, and author Kathryn Paige Harden to discuss her book, “Original Sin: On the Genetics of Vice, the Problem of Blame, and the Future of Forgiveness.” Cole and Kathryn discuss the ideas of right, wrong, and sin, and how much our genetics are to blame for our actions. The two also analyze findings from studies led by Paige and the mental frameworks of some of history’s greatest theological minds to guide their discussionHarden is a professor of psychology at the University of Texas, where she directs the Developmental Behavior Genetics lab. She conducts research on how genes and environments combine to shape children's mental and physical health. She is the author of over 150 scientific publications and two books: The Genetic Lottery and Original Sin. Purchase a copy of “Original Sin: On the Genetics of Vice, the Problem of Blame, and the Future of Forgiveness” here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714593/original-sin-by-kathryn-paige-harden/Sign up to be notified about new A Book with Legs episodes: https://hubs.ly/Q0452V800

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Mar 16, 2026

Embed this episode

Ready to play

Kathryn Paige Harden - Original Sin: On The Genetics of Vice, The Problem of Blame, And the Future of Forgiveness

0:00 1:25:45

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of A Book with Legs?

This episode is 1 hour and 25 minutes long.

When was this A Book with Legs episode published?

This episode was published on March 16, 2026.

Can I download this A Book with Legs episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!