"lost in translation"

i was given a gift @ birth, as we all are....mine is of a social persuasion. of understanding people, motives, desires. however, i am at a loss with this one. how is it that some individuals will allow a moment in time define them in all future matters? our past is just that...our past. it's not who we are, but what we have learned...we become smarter & hopefully a bit wiser.