Genes have been in control of human traits since humans have been a species. However, what genes control beyond physical traits is not as well known. Therefore this prompts the question to what extent genes affect happiness. This question is becoming more prevalent with the rise in genetic editing and what could be done with genetic engineering to further push the human race. This question ties into the stimulus material Genes, Economics, and Happiness which goes into depth about genes and their links to happiness in ways such as money and social class. Genes Economics and Happiness also talks about DNA strands that are the direct cause of happiness and whether or not scientists have the technology to determine what exact genes affect human emotions. Another study shows that genes play a major role in the regulation of your own brain’s serotonin and dopamine levels(Ebstein et al 1996; Hamer 1996) which could prove that genes could not
only affect your happiness directly but indirectly as well. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in the brain that is linked to overall happiness and well-being in a person(Medical News Today). But as genes have been studied to affect a person’s happiness it has also been stated that genes can cause depression or lower happiness levels as well( Dennis S. Charney). This question has been looked at from many perspectives/lenses such as economic, social, medical, and scientific with different arguments following suit mainly about how much genes affect an individual’s happiness. The exact amount genes play in ones personality is still unknown and the main argument is how much do genes affect a person’s happiness and life evaluation. This question has been answered in many different ways but the one thing that is hard to have a solid standpoint on is what gene exactly affects happiness and how much genes really play in one’s happiness.