Most scholars propose that genetics plays a significant role in determining our happiness levels. 1. Professor Martin Seligman's research suggests that wellbeing and life satisfaction, closely connected to happiness, are between 30% and 40% heritable. 2. Psychotherapist Susan Zinn suggests that wellbeing and life satisfaction, closely connected to happiness, are between 30% and 40% heritable. This suggests that our genes make up an estimated 40% of our ability to be happy. 3. However, Zinn also notes that it's possible to rewire our brains for happiness, and the other 60% of happiness comes down to lifestyle and other environmental factors.