![]() ![]() In philosophy, optimism is a doctrine stating that this is the best of all possible worlds. Optimism DefinitionĪ simple and concise definition of optimism would go something like this: Optimism is a tendency of having hope and confidence about future outcomes. So, what does optimism mean? We speak of optimism as a virtue, but we may also use it in ironic phrases like "cruel optimism" and "blind optimism." How can cruelty and blindness be virtues? Before you consider the complexities of what optimism means, let's define optimism in the most literal way. "Optimism," said Cacambo, "What is that?" "Alas!" replied Candide, "It is the obstinacy of maintaining that everything is best when it is worst." ~Voltaire, Candide."I'm a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will." ~Antonio Gramsci, Gramsci's Prison Letters."I meant to write about death only life came breaking in as usual." ~Virginia Woolf."There's no harm in hoping for the best as long as you're prepared for the worst." ~Stephen King, Different Seasons."The basis of optimism is pure terror." ~Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray.Nothing can be done without hope and confidence." ~Helen KellerĪn optimistic attitude isn't always that easy to come by or completely benign, though, as you can see by some of what some would say are the more realistic quotations on optimism. "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement."For myself, I am an optimist - it does not seem to be much use to be anything else." ~Winston Churchill."You'll never find a rainbow if you're looking down." ~Charlie Chaplain."Great things happen to those who don't stop believing, trying, learning, and being grateful." ~Roy T."Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson."We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorns have roses." ~Alphonse Karr, A Tour Round My Garden."The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and the pessimist fears this is true." ~James Branch Cabell, The Silver Stallion."What day is it?""It's today," squeaked Piglet.Watch the stars and see yourself running with them." ~Marcus Aurelius, Meditations ![]() "Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise." ~Victor Hugo, Les Misérables.One would think that people go around being happy in every circumstance. How often do you open your social media page to find a glowing optimism meme? For most people, it's a daily occurrence. ![]()
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