Irenaeus, Siteadmin, Check users, oversight, Administrators
351,464
edits
Changes
→Books
[[File:Glass Half Full bw 1.jpeg|thumbnail|right|250px|The half a glass of water helps illustrates of two different mental [[attitude]]s, optimism (half full) and pessimism (half empty)]]
[[File:Glass Half Full bw 1.jpeg|thumbnail|right|250px|The half a glass of water helps illustrates of two different mental [[attitude]]s, optimism (half full) and [[pessimism]] (half empty)]]
'''Optimism''' is the practice of looking on the bright side of things, much as the little heroine of ''[[Pollyanna]]'' was trained by her father, a missionary, to make a game of finding something to be glad about in all circumstances.
'''Optimism''' is the practice of looking on the bright side of things, much as the little heroine of ''[[Pollyanna]]'' was trained by her father, a missionary, to make a game of finding something to be glad about in all circumstances.
The term is often used as meaning someone who looks for the positive side of a situation and anticipates the most positive outcome of a venture.
The term is often used as meaning someone who looks for the positive side of a situation and anticipates the most positive outcome of a venture.
An optimist is one who looks at a glass of water that is half-full and half-empty, and focuses on how it is half-full. A [[pessimist]] focuses on how it is half-empty.
An optimist is one who looks at a glass of water that is half-full and half-empty, and focuses on how it is half-full. A [[Pessimism|pessimist]] focuses on how it is half-empty.
French author [[Voltaire]] mocked the concept in his novel ''[[Candide]]'' (1759), ridiculing [[Leibniz]]'s notion that this is the best of all possible worlds.
French author [[Voltaire]] mocked the concept in his novel ''[[Candide]]'' (1759), ridiculing [[Leibniz]]'s notion that this is the best of all possible worlds.
An old [[Russian]] joke says a pessimist believes that things cannot possibly get worse while an optimist is confident that they surely can.
An old [[Russian]] joke says a pessimist believes that things cannot possibly get worse while an optimist is confident that they surely can.
== Christian theology and optimism ==
== How to be more optimistic ==
[[File:Mayo clinic Rochester MN.jpg|thumbnail|300px|According to the [[Mayo Clinic]], "Positive thinking just means that you approach unpleasantness in a more positive and productive way. You think the best is going to happen, not the worst."<ref>[https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/positive-thinking/art-20043950 Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress]</ref>]]
To cultivate more optimism:<ref>
*[https://www.google.com/search?q=how+to+be+more+optimistic&oq=how+to&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqDggAEEUYOxhDGIAEGIoFMg4IABBFGDsYQxiABBiKBTIGCAEQRRg5MgwIAhAAGEMYgAQYigUyDAgDEC4YQxiABBiKBTIMCAQQABhDGIAEGIoFMgYIBRBFGDwyBggGEEUYQTIGCAcQLhhA0gEIMTI3OWowajGoAgiwAgE&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#vhid=jgYN4dKRdmUmEM&vssid=l How to be more optimistic]
*[https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-be-optimistic 23 Strategies To Become More Optimistic]
*[https://www.calmsage.com/how-to-become-optimistic/ Try These 10 Simple Ways to Become More Optimistic TODAY!]</ref>
'''1.''' Focus on [[gratitude]]
'''2.''' Practice [[positive thinking]]
'''3.''' Practice positive [[self-talk]]
'''4.''' Imagine a bright future and set achievable goals. Make sure to break down those goals into smaller goals/tasks. See: [[Goal setting]] and [[Ideation]] and [[Brainstorming]] and [[Imagination]]
'''5.''' Celebrate your successes and create rewards for meeting goals. See: [[Motivation]] and [[Self-motivation]]
'''6.''' Boost your [[productivity]]
'''7.''' Surround yourself with a positive environment and individuals. See: [[Social influence]] and [[Social intelligence]] and [[Social networking]] and [[Business networking]]
'''8.''' Practice [[creative problem solving]], yet acknowledging what's beyond your control. See: [[Problem solving]] and [[Creativity]] and [[Locus of control]] and [[Mental toughness]] and [[Psychological resilience]] and [[Antifragility]]
'''9.''' Practicing [[Mindfulness (Psychology)|mindfulness]].
'''10.''' Develop [[Passion (psychology)|passion]] and develop new interests
'''11.''' Don't be too hard on yourself. See: [[Perfectionism]] and [[Negative thinking]]
'''12.''' Have an [[action orientation]] so you see success as soon as possible.
'''Articles:'''
*[https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/how-train-your-brain-be-more-optimistic-ncna795231 How to Train Your Brain to Be More Optimistic]
*[https://extension.usu.edu/relationships/research/six-approaches-to-becoming-more-optimistic-today Six Approaches to Becoming More Optimistic Today], Utah State University
*[https://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/optimism/guide/#:~:text=There%20are%20three%20main%20types,Trudel%2DFitzgerald. All About Optimism: Definition, Health Effects, and How to Boost Your Outlook]
*[https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-be-optimistic 23 Strategies To Become More Optimistic]
*[https://www.briantracy.com/blog/personal-success/be-an-optimist-at-all-times/ How To Become An Optimist: 19 Tips To Stay Positive]
*[https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/18/smarter-living/how-to-be-more-optimistic.html How to Be More Optimistic]
'''Videos:'''
*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbjmSS6LZDGr_33QeB3b-WPgHQnXryRxv Becoming more optimistic video playlist], Video playlist
[[Christianity|Christian]] theologians commonly declare that the world was the best of all possible worlds, as it was created by [[God]]. Therefore, even what appears to many as bad is actually part of God's perfect plan. For example, adversity improves Christian character.
== Christian theology and optimism/human flourishing ==
''See also:'' [[Gottfried Leibniz]] and [[Theodicy]] and [[Problem of evil]]
=== God created the best of all possible worlds ===
[[Christianity|Christian]] theologians commonly declare that the world was the best of all possible worlds, as it was created by [[God]]. Therefore, even what appears to many as bad is actually part of God's perfect plan. For example, adversity improves Christian [[character]]/[[virtue]].
[[Image:Leibniz.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Gottfried Leibniz]] ]]
[[Image:Leibniz.jpg|thumb|left|200px|[[Gottfried Leibniz]] ]]
[[Gottfried Leibniz|Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz]] (1646-1716) was a German, Christian philosopher who was born into a pious [[Lutheran]] family close to the end of the Thirty Years’ War, which had laid [[Germany]] in ruins.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/topic/best-of-all-possible-worlds Best of all possible worlds], Encyclopedia Britannica</ref>
[[Gottfried Leibniz|Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz]] (1646-1716) was a German, Christian philosopher who was born into a pious [[Lutheran]] family close to the end of the Thirty Years’ War, which had laid [[Germany]] in ruins.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/topic/best-of-all-possible-worlds Best of all possible worlds], Encyclopedia Britannica</ref>
In rough outline, the argument proceeds as follows:
In rough outline, the argument proceeds as follows:
'''1.''' God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnibenevolent;
'''1.''' God is [[Omnipotence|omnipotent]], [[Omniscience|omniscient]], and omnibenevolent;
'''2.''' God created the existing world;
'''2.''' God created the existing world;
'''5.''' Therefore, the existing world, the one that God created, is the best of all possible worlds.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/topic/best-of-all-possible-worlds Best of all possible worlds], Encyclopedia Britannica</ref>}}
'''5.''' Therefore, the existing world, the one that God created, is the best of all possible worlds.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/topic/best-of-all-possible-worlds Best of all possible worlds], Encyclopedia Britannica</ref>}}
=== Biblical theology and Bible verses related to human flourishing ===
''See also:'' [[Bible reading and human flourishing]]
[[File:Saint Augustine by Philippe de Champaigne.jpg|right|thumbnail|300px|[[Saint Augustine]] ]]
The article ''Is the Pursuit of Human Flourishing Scriptural?'' states:
{{Cquote|...Dr. Jonathan Pennington offers a comprehensive definition of human flourishing which spans the Old and New Testaments and is rooted in the revelation of [[God]] through [[Jesus Christ]].
Specifically, he uses Biblical etymology to demonstrate flourishing intertwines with fundamental elements of the Bible’s message–including God’s redemptive purpose in Christ (which assures believers of eternal, abundant life)...
[[Saint Augustine]] underscored the intimate relationship between human flourishing and a [[Trinity|trinitarian]] God. It was contingent on centering one’s life around God, with [[happiness]] emanating from harmonious fellowship with Him and others.<ref>[https://www.truecharity.us/is-the-pursuit-of-human-flourishing-scriptural/#:~:text=The%20Purpose,of%20eternal%2C%20abundant%20life). Is the Pursuit of Human Flourishing Scriptural?]</ref>}}
Articles:
*[https://www.truecharity.us/is-the-pursuit-of-human-flourishing-scriptural/#:~:text=The%20Purpose,of%20eternal%2C%20abundant%20life). Is the Pursuit of Human Flourishing Scriptural?]
*[https://tifwe.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/A-Biblical-Theology-of-Human-Flourishing-Pennington.pdf A Biblical Theology of Human Flourishing] by Jonathan T. Pennington, PhD
*[https://tifwe.org/a-hi-def-view-of-human-flourishing-in-the-bible/ A “Hi-Def” View of Human Flourishing in the Bible], Institute For Faith, Work & Economics
*[https://mentalhealthinstitute.org.au/wellbeing/bible-and-human-flourishing/?v=0b3b97fa6688 The Bible and human flourishing], Mental Health Institute
*[https://pastordaveonline.org/2018/09/18/a-review-of-the-sermon-on-the-mount-and-human-flourishing-by-jonathan-pennington/ A Review of “The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing” by Jonathan Pennington]
Videos:
*[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbjmSS6LZDGqYaaZ8-yzeTK2mZp1ByHXJ Biblical theology of human flourishing - Video playlist], Video playlist
=== Bible verses related to human flourishing ===
*[https://biblestudyforyou.com/bible-verses-about-human-flourishing/ 30 Powerful bible verses about human flourishing (Full Commentary)]
== Learned optimism ==
== Learned optimism ==
[[File:Dark clouds.jpg|thumbnail|300px|right|“Every dark cloud has a silver lining” is an idiom that points out there is always [[Positive thinking|something positive to find in any situation]] - even when it seems very difficult. It encourages individuals to look for the good in all situations.]]
''See also:'' [[Learned optimism]] and [[Positive thinking]]
In the field of [[psychology]]: "[[Learned optimism]] involves developing the ability to view the world from a positive point of view. It is often contrasted with [[learned helplessness]]."<ref>[https://www.verywellmind.com/learned-optimism-4174101 Using Learned Optimism in Your Life]</ref> Learned optimism is a term coined by psychologist [[Martin Seligman]] in his book ''Learned Optimism'' which conveys the notion that optimism and joy can be cultivated.<ref>[https://www.verywellmind.com/learned-optimism-4174101 Using Learned Optimism in Your Life]</ref>
In the field of [[psychology]]: "[[Learned optimism]] involves developing the ability to view the world from a positive point of view. It is often contrasted with [[learned helplessness]]."<ref>[https://www.verywellmind.com/learned-optimism-4174101 Using Learned Optimism in Your Life]</ref> Learned optimism is a term coined by psychologist [[Martin Seligman]] in his book ''Learned Optimism'' which conveys the notion that optimism and joy can be cultivated.<ref>[https://www.verywellmind.com/learned-optimism-4174101 Using Learned Optimism in Your Life]</ref>
:That’s not all. Seligman’s research also revealed that those sales people who had pessimistic mindsets were also 300% more likely to quit the profession of selling than those who were optimistic."<ref>[https://www.hoffeldgroup.com/how-your-thoughts-impact-your-sales/ How Your Thoughts Impact Your Sales], Hoffeld Group</ref>
:That’s not all. Seligman’s research also revealed that those sales people who had pessimistic mindsets were also 300% more likely to quit the profession of selling than those who were optimistic."<ref>[https://www.hoffeldgroup.com/how-your-thoughts-impact-your-sales/ How Your Thoughts Impact Your Sales], Hoffeld Group</ref>
== Psychology: Optimism vs. hope ==
''See also:'' [[Hope]] and [[Goal setting]] and [[Agency (psychology)]]
"In psychology, [[hope]] and optimism, while often used interchangeably, represent distinct concepts. Optimism is a general expectation of positive future outcomes, while hope is a more active process focused on achieving specific [[Goal setting|goals]] through personal [[Agency (psychology)|agency]] and pathways. Essentially, optimism is about believing things will generally turn out well, while hope is about believing one can take actions to make things better, even if the overall outcome is uncertain.<ref>[https://www.google.com/search?q=hope+vs.+optimism+psychology&oq=hope+vs.+optimism+psychology&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUyBggAEEUYOTIICAEQABgWGB4yCAgCEAAYFhgeMggIAxAAGBYYHjINCAQQABiGAxiABBiKBTINCAUQABiGAxiABBiKBTIKCAYQABiABBiiBDIKCAcQABiiBBiJBTIKCAgQABiABBiiBDIGCAkQLhhA0gEIOTk5N2owajGoAgCwAgA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 Hope vs. optimism psychology]</ref>
Articles:
*[https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-science-behind-behavior/201702/whats-the-difference-between-optimism-and-hope What's the Difference Between Optimism and Hope?] by Utpal Dholakia Ph.D.
*[https://archive.is/TNnzN#selection-709.0-709.16 The Difference Between Hope and Optimism] by Arthur C. Brooks, 2021
*[https://shanesnow.com/research/the-crucial-empowering-difference-between-hope-and-optimism The Crucial, Empowering Difference Between Hope and Optimism]
*[https://www.templeton.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/JTF-Hope-Optimism.pdf Hope and optimism], John Templeton Foundation
== Optimism and a longer life span ==
"Adjusting for [[Demography|demographics]] and health conditions, women in the highest versus lowest optimism quartile had 14.9% (95% confidence interval, 11.9 to 18.0) longer life span. Findings were similar in men." - [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31451635/ Optimism is associated with exceptional longevity in 2 epidemiologic cohorts of men and women], ''Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America''. 2019 Sep 10;116(37):18357-18362. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1900712116. Epub 2019 Aug 26.
Article: [https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/if-you-are-happy-and-you-know-it-you-may-live-longer-2019101618020 If you are happy and you know it… you may live longer], Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 2019
== Optimism bias ==
== Optimism bias ==
*[https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027273581000019X Optimism], ''Clinical Psychology Review''. Volume 30, Issue 7, November 2010, Pages 879-889
*[https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S027273581000019X Optimism], ''Clinical Psychology Review''. Volume 30, Issue 7, November 2010, Pages 879-889
*[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2894461/#:~:text=Optimism%20is%20a%20tendency%20to,everyday%20social%20and%20working%20life. Optimism and Its Impact on Mental and Physical Well-Being], Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 2010; 6: 25–29. Published online 2010 May 14. doi: 10.2174/1745017901006010025
*[https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2894461/#:~:text=Optimism%20is%20a%20tendency%20to,everyday%20social%20and%20working%20life. Optimism and Its Impact on Mental and Physical Well-Being], Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 2010; 6: 25–29. Published online 2010 May 14. doi: 10.2174/1745017901006010025
== Books ==
*''Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being'' by Sue Varma M.D. Avery. February 20, 2024
*''Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life'' by Martin E. P. Seligman. Vintage. January 3, 2006
=== Christian book ===
''See also:'' [[Bible memorization]]
*''Dwell Differently: Overcome Negative Thinking with the Simple Practice of Memorizing God’s Truth'' by Natalie Abbott and Vera Schmitz. Bethany House Publishers. May 14, 2024
== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[Psychological capital]]
*[[Attitude]]
*[[Attitude]]
*[[Achievement orientation]]
*[[Achievement orientation]]
*[[Positive affirmations]]
*[[Self-talk]]
*[[Positive psychology]]
== External links ==
== External links ==
*[https://www.verywellmind.com/the-benefits-of-optimism-3144811 What Is Optimism?]
*[https://www.verywellmind.com/the-benefits-of-optimism-3144811 What Is Optimism?]
==References==
==References==