The Lucas Gene

There was something on the TV last night about Holbein and his portrait of Christina of Denmark. Christina was at one time considered by Henry VIII as a possible consort, but given Henry’s predilection for severing his wives’ heads, Christina, quite understandably, wasn’t too enamoured of the match.

I have seen this portrait many times, but I was suddenly struck at Christina’s resemblance to Matt Lucas.

Lucas (left), Christina of Denmark (right)

Driving home I heard a report on a recent study into ADHD and possible genetic links, which have apparently been over-hyped. Some Australian millionaire was interviewed and was waxing lyrical about how the syndrome must be genetic, as he had it, his father had it and his grandfather had it.

To ascribe something to genes on the basis of it occurring in families is like saying the root causes of obesity, religious belief, political affiliation and poverty are genetic.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, the study actually shows no such thing.

People would love for there to be a genetic link, as it absolves them of any responsibility for having badly behaved kids - an example of the victim culture that’s pervading our society.