Happiness
What Studies on Twins Show Us about Nature, Nurture, and the Happiness Set-point
Description:... With his research showing strong evidence of a "happiness set-point", which suggests that a large part of a person's capacity for joy is determined by genetics, Dr. David Lykken has attracted the attention of The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and Newsweek, among others. Drawing on his own research, the research of others, and a close examination of popular culture, Happiness offers practical ideas on how to be happy at work and in retirement, how to have happy babies, children, and families, and, especially, how to be happy in marriage.Dr. Lykken suggests that genes affect the mind indirectly, by influencing the kinds of experiences people have and the kinds of environments they seek out -- a formula that is not nature versus nurture but nature via nurture. If your happiness set-point is below average, it means your genetic steersman is guiding you into situations that detract from your well-being and tempting you to behave in counter-productive ways. Dr. Lykken directs readers around this potential genetic pitfall, showing how, within wide limits, they can determine their own happiness.
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