Are we born with an innate disposition to respect others (nature) or is it learned (nurture) or some combination of both.

Psychology studies/experiments, over the years, indicate it is a combination of factors but certain traits favour nurture while others nature.

The desire to steal  is a behavior that can be stongly influenced by culture and upbringing.  On a recent trip to Japan I was surprised to note none of the bicycles, whether outside a home business or store, were locked.

This is because the cultural taboo to steal a bicycle is reinforced so strongly from early childhood.

Probably a large driver of the strength of cultural norms in Japan is due to the limitations on immigration.  That is, as a percent of the total population there are very few non Japanese citizens.  As a result of the stable population mix,  cultural norms remain constant over many generations and are very difficult/slow to change.

Large Population/Small Area

With almost one hundred and fifty million people living in an area slightly larger than Canada’s Vancouver Island the country has developed strong cultural norms around respecting each other.  These have developed slowly over time to their present state, to the extent you can feel very comfortable in leaving your bike unlocked.  It is very unlikely it will be stolen.