How much are moods and attitudes influenced by upbringing and experiences, the classic ‘nurture’ half of the ‘Nature/Nurture” dichotomy and the basis of theories of inter-personal psychology and “Personal Growth”? Could it be that they are  also  influenced by a genetic disposition to optimism or pessimism? First we should look at how this could occur. [...]

Nick Drake wrote about a black-eyed dog calling for him. His words are so simple and so powerful that I can very rarely listen to the song. For anyone who has been there, they are too real. Winston Churchill called it ‘the Black Dog’ and sought refuge in brandy and cocaine like many before him. [...]