From moment to moment, the chromosome is more consequential than any of its constituent genes.

Secure in her habitat, with partner and children, a mother may be unduly influenced by what she thinks happened to her during her developmental years, such that her partner is cast in the role of avatar: working from home offsets this tendency. Marriage reduces the likelihood of asking oneself: “Why am I behaving in this way, in this place, at this time?” Loss of confidence due to belated realisation of partnership inequity contributes to depression.

The ‘selfish gene’ is a defensive escape into the future, for example from verbalisations in the present intended for the ears of the speaker rather than for anyone else’s ears.