A gene that has been associated with a language disorder in humans and is quite different in apes is the FOXP2 gene.
According to science, yes – happiness, indeed, has a heritable component. It’s a finding that is surprising and not surprising at the same time. It's surprising because of our culturally-sanctioned convictions that with our choices, thoughts, and behavior, we have the final say on how well we function in our lives, not our circumstances. But it's also not surprising because if our genes play a part in shaping who we are in the world, they will also have a say in how we pursue and find happiness. People might inherit genes that put them in advantageous or less favorable positions. Depression is genetic...
