IS HAPPINESS GENETIC OR CIRCUMSTANTIAL?

Happiness: Is It Genetic or Circumstantial?

Happiness. Everyone wants it, but only the chosen few get it. Well, who “chooses” this happiness exactly? Is it a higher power? Is it written in your DNA at conception? Or, is it yourself, in the way you live your life on a day to day basis? For centuries psychologists have debated this topic to no end. And it’s not even just psychologists—in fact, it turns out everyone’s interested in learning about this topic because ultimately, it affects us all. Sociologists, geneticists, even politicians are trying to figure out just how this pursuit of happiness works, and if anyone can ever reach true long-term happiness. After encountering conflicting research, I decided there was only one way to find out the truth—to test it for myself. Anyone can write a paper about happiness, but to try to let live it can be a completely different thing. After a thorough review of the relevant literature, adopting my own happiness plan, tracking my progress, and ultimately reflecting on the experience, I think there’s an incredible amount to be learned about the pursuit of happiness for anybody who wishes to take this journey with me!

What better way to start off than by looking at the debate! Up First, the Genetic, “Set Point” Research.