![]() It is likely the case that a healthy society requires a balance of realism and optimism among its constituents. ![]() While it might be nice everyone was suddenly more kind and sunny, this could come with the unwanted side effect of ignoring or downplaying important problems. Collectively, however, things seem less clear. From the standpoint of the individual, I am inclined to agree with the positive psychologists that the benefits of healthy optimism seem to outweigh the risks. In contemplating the merits of augmenting optimism among less optimistic persons, it may be worth examining the potential ramifications at both the individual and collective level. Even religious belief, research suggests, makes us happier. After all, there seems to be at least some truth to the notion that a positive and resilient attitude contributes to happiness. While it is easy to roll one’s eyes at optimists, it can be difficult not to envy those who exhibit healthy levels of optimism. Less optimistic individuals are inclined to feel less confident about the future and more dubious toward religious notions such as “God is always good.” If optimists are by nature less concerned with ensuring that their beliefs are grounded in reality, they will be more disposed to adopt belief systems, including religious ones, that maximize their sense of hope and positivity. Extraverts, by contrast, fueled by undying optimism, can be found pushing for unfettered expansion. Seeing unchecked growth as unsustainable, perhaps akin to metastatic cancer, introverts argue for reining things in. Such preferences will even inhabit their political views, with introverts condemning all sorts of excess (e.g., spending, consumption, population growth, etc.) and extraverts emphasizing the value of continued growth and development. Less prone to risk-taking or what we might call “naïve optimism,” the introvert sees herself and the world around her through a more realistic or cautious eye.Īmong other things, introverts are more apt to endorse the reality of limits and the importance of moderation, notions which extraverts may be loathe to accept. This stems from the fact that introverts tend to proceed more slowly and carefully in their actions and decision-making, considering not only the short-term but also the long-term consequences of their choices. From the extravert’s perch, introverts can seem like pessimists or killjoys. Personality research has repeatedly shown that extraverts generally exhibit higher levels of optimism than their introverted counterparts. In instances such as these, when what is most appropriate is a “reality check,” it is difficult to argue the merits of optimism. In some cases, optimists are clearly delusional, such as when aspiring singers who can hardly carry a tune manage to maintain the belief that they are rising superstars. Optimism is a mindset (or put more negatively, a bias) that disposes us to ignore or downplay some aspects of reality in order to preserve certain hopes or ideals. ![]() Clearly, there are times in which unbridled optimism is not only foolish, but potentially dangerous. For instance, continuing to smoke heavily on the belief that there will always be time to quit is probably an unwise use of optimism. Positive psychologists continue to herald the many benefits of optimism for human health and well-being, but it does have its drawbacks. In light of the incontrovertible power of beliefs, those pursuing a better life are wise to take a closer look at what they believe. Moreover, the placebo effect, which is mediated by beliefs and expectations, has long been one of the most reliable, versatile, and potent human therapeutics. Research has demonstrated, for instance, that optimism (or lack of it) accounts for 5-10 percent of the variance in the development of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and depression. They also have a significant impact on our health and well-being and may even influence mortality. ![]() ![]() Despite their abstract and intangible nature, beliefs play a central role in informing our attitudes, behavior, and motivations. ![]()
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