Saturday 21 January 2006
On optimism
From WorldChanging: a neat article by Nicole-Anne Boyer that starts with a discussion of global conflicts and segues into an examination of optimism and pessimism.
The word “optimism” or phrase “positive thinking” is problematic with too much baggage… I prefer how the Chinese have defined optimism with two related but different words. The first word is more akin to the English definition; it’s a naive hope for a better future regardless of the reality of the situation. The second word means looking at the reality of a situation as clearly as possible, and even if it is grim, and still be hopeful and open to possibilities. It’s this that we need more of.
Studies on what makes individuals “resilient” confirms the merit of the second Chinese definition of optimism. Resilient people tend to have three things in common: they have a strong value system and ability to make meaning out of life; they are excellent improvisors and adaptors given life’s events; and they are good are perceiving the reality accurately, for better or worse, in any given situation.