A god/goddess is intelligent, positive, and resilient.

Instant gratification is defined as the tendency to discount the value of delayed versus current rewards and the preference toward obtaining current rewards. The referenced study, using survey questions, demonstrates that the tendency toward instant gratification may be heritable, and that it explains up to 12% in the variance among individuals.

The hippocampus is a brain structure integral in memory consolidation and spatial navigation. Research on the genetic underpinnings of hippocampal volume has identified several genetic markers, as well as an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease for genetic variants associated with decreased hippocampal volume.

Wine is one of the most beloved alcoholic drinks in the world. While recent research has identified a genetic marker indicating the preference for red wine, an affinity for red wine may equally likely develop due to exposure, preference of others, and social customs, even in the absence of such genetic variants. Interestingly, the effect of the genetic variant on affinity for red wine is twice as large in women than in men.

Intelligence, as measured by IQ tests, is correlated with important outcomes in life, such as educational attainment, income, and health. In the referenced study, over 50 genes were implicated in influencing individuals’ intelligence level. Further analysis found that these genes were predominantly expressed in the brain.

Cognitive functions encompass reasoning, memory, attention, and language. It leads directly to the attainment of information and, thus, knowledge. Besides interindividual differences resulting from genetic variation, formal education trains cognitive skills, so cognitive function is in large part a function of the quality and length of formal education received. This trait only informs on the genetic tendency for cognitive function and does not indicate your actual cognitive ability.

Empathy is the ability to perceive, identify, and respond to the emotions of others. Empathy helps individuals navigate social situations. As a healthy social life is an important facet of human well-being, having the ability to empathize is important for maintaining physical and mental health. Links between certain genetic markers and level of empathy were found in a research study that scored empathy based on a self-report survey.

Conscientiousness is the quality of being fair to others and holding yourself morally responsible for your work. Psychologists have defined conscientiousness as one of the five psychological traits (the “Big 5”) forming the basis of personality.