London - Some people are born a success, scientists believe.
Much of our predisposition towards determination, sociability, self-control and sense of purpose is, apparently, in our genes.
And DNA has a bigger influence on these traits than our upbringing and the company we keep.
These aspects of our personality can make the difference between success and failure, said researchers from Edinburgh University.
They questioned more than 800 pairs of twins about their attitudes to life.
Comparing identical twins, who share DNA and upbringing, with non-identical twins, who have shared backgrounds but are no more genetically alike than other siblings, allows researchers to assess the influence of nature over nurture.
The results, published in the Journal of Personality, found genes play a much bigger role than lifestyle, with self-control in particular part of our DNA.
And genes are also largely the force behind how determined and persistent we are.
Researcher Timothy Bates said: “Previously, the role of family and environment around the home often dominated people’s ideas about what affected psychological well-being. However, this work highlights a much more powerful influence from genetics.”
But don’t fear if you’re without good genes – Professor Bates said a sense of purpose was vital to those seeking success. - Daily Mail