IF indeed bad news sells, the recent news that are sold to us have become bestsellers. But this column is not intending to contribute to the romanticizing of those exhausting twists of disturbing events and alarming headlines. This column chooses to take the other side — optimism.
Optimism is a conviction that the future is positive and that we will get through tough times. It is more than positivity — which simply labels things as good. Optimism is a doctrine and a philosophical standpoint that this world is the best possible world. Optimism is hopefulness — the attitude that good things will happen and that people's wishes or aims will ultimately be fulfilled (American Psychological Association). Optimists are people who anticipate positive outcomes, whether serendipitously or through passionate perseverance and relentless effort (Dictionary of Psychology). Optimists are those who are confident of attaining desired goals. It is an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome (Webster). To the optimist, the glass is not half empty. It is half full, and refillable.
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