Optimism - Revision history

Fractalguy: /* Optimistic Videos */

2025-11-30T16:54:52Z

Optimistic Videos

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:54, 30 November 2025
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	== Optimistic Videos ==		== Optimistic Videos ==
			[[File:Seeing-good-strategic-and-necessary.jpeg\|right\|frameless\|566x566px]]
	A lot of content related to optimism comes from the sales training, motivational speaking, and self-help world. This makes sense because optimism is a key factor in career success. However, this does mean that a lot of it is people trying to monetize [[ideas]] that you can easily learn for free, with a fair amount of [[pseudoscience]] and [[woo]] mixed in. While this content can be very uplifting, avoid getting [[Grift\|grifted]] and move on once you hit their paywall.		A lot of content related to optimism comes from the sales training, motivational speaking, and self-help world. This makes sense because optimism is a key factor in career success. However, this does mean that a lot of it is people trying to monetize [[ideas]] that you can easily learn for free, with a fair amount of [[pseudoscience]] and [[woo]] mixed in. While this content can be very uplifting, avoid getting [[Grift\|grifted]] and move on once you hit their paywall.

Fractalguy: /* Learning Optimism from a Book */

2025-09-12T11:10:35Z

Learning Optimism from a Book

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:10, 12 September 2025
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	The [[book]] by [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204593731-hope-for-cynics Jamil Zaki, Hope for Cynics] is an excellent primer on hope, optimism, cynicism, and the effects these dispositions have on our [[brains]]. [https://www.theringer.com/2024/9/27/24255536/the-surprising-science-of-cynicism-plus-the-policy-paradox-of-the-2024-election This interview on Plain English] gives a good overview of the topics discussed in the [[book]].		The [[book]] by [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204593731-hope-for-cynics Jamil Zaki, Hope for Cynics] is an excellent primer on hope, optimism, cynicism, and the effects these dispositions have on our [[brains]]. [https://www.theringer.com/2024/9/27/24255536/the-surprising-science-of-cynicism-plus-the-policy-paradox-of-the-2024-election This interview on Plain English] gives a good overview of the topics discussed in the [[book]].

	[https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13543093-the-better-angels-of-our-nature Stephen Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature] is another [[book]] that makes a strong case for long-term optimism about humanity. This was written long before his recent turn towards the Dark Enlightenment, and the general trends he cites still hold up even if there has been some recent backsliding. The chart below makes the same case infographically.		[https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13543093-the-better-angels-of-our-nature Stephen Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature] is another [[book]] that makes a strong case for long-term optimism about humanity. This was written long before his recent turn towards the [[wikipedia:Dark_Enlightenment\|Dark Enlightenment]], and the general trends he cites still hold up even if there has been some recent backsliding. The chart below makes the same case infographically.

	== Optimistic Trends ==		== Optimistic Trends ==

Fractalguy at 11:09, 12 September 2025

2025-09-12T11:09:50Z

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	== Automatic Optimism ==		== Automatic Optimism ==
			[[File:Optimist-pessimist-excel-meme.jpeg\|thumb\|250x250px]]
	The [[God Concept]] explores the how belief in [[wikipedia:Omnibenevolence\|omnibenevolence]] and the [[ritualized]] [[reinforcement]] of the goodness of the [[universe]] helps foster a lifelong sense of optimism.		The [[God Concept]] explores the how belief in [[wikipedia:Omnibenevolence\|omnibenevolence]] and the [[ritualized]] [[reinforcement]] of the goodness of the [[universe]] helps foster a lifelong sense of optimism.

Fractalguy: /* Learning Optimism from a Book */

2025-09-12T11:07:08Z

Learning Optimism from a Book

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:07, 12 September 2025
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	== Hope Versus Optimism ==		== Hope Versus Optimism ==
	This is not advocating for unrealistic optimism, which leads to bad decision making. It is the hopeful optimism that things will continue to [[Self-improvement\|improve]] and [[self-correct]], and people's lives will get [[happier]], [[society]] will become more [[Justice\|just]], if we continue to do the [[work]]. It is looking back on the events of your [[life]] and seeing them in the best light, where negative experiences turn into opportunities to learn, grow, or build resilience. It is the [[belief]] in an [[God Concept\|omnibenevolent universe]] that becomes a constant source of [[wonder]] and awe.		This is not advocating for unrealistic optimism, which leads to bad decision making. It is the hopeful optimism that things will continue to [[Self-improvement\|improve]] and [[self-correct]], and people's lives will get [[happier]], [[society]] will become more [[Justice\|just]], if we continue to do the [[work]]. It is looking back on the events of your [[life]] and seeing them in the best light, where negative experiences turn into opportunities to learn, grow, or build resilience. It is the [[belief]] in an [[God Concept\|omnibenevolent universe]] that becomes a constant source of [[wonder]] and awe.

	~~== Learning Optimism from a Book ==~~
	The [[book]] by [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204593731-hope-for-cynics Jamil Zaki, Hope for Cynics] is an excellent primer on hope, optimism, cynicism, and the effects these dispositions have on our [[brains]]. [https://www.theringer.com/2024/9/27/24255536/the-surprising-science-of-cynicism-plus-the-policy-paradox-of-the-2024-election This interview on Plain English] gives a good overview of the topics discussed in the [[book]].

	[https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13543093-the-better-angels-of-our-nature Stephen Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature] is another [[book]] that makes a strong case for long-term optimism about humanity.

	== Automatic Optimism ==		== Automatic Optimism ==
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	Taking [[psychedelics]] has been shown to [https://newatlas.com/medical/psilocybin-optimism-depression/ increase optimism in rats].[https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-024-03103-7] Might work for humans too.		Taking [[psychedelics]] has been shown to [https://newatlas.com/medical/psilocybin-optimism-depression/ increase optimism in rats].[https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-024-03103-7] Might work for humans too.

			== Learning Optimism from a Book ==
			The [[book]] by [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204593731-hope-for-cynics Jamil Zaki, Hope for Cynics] is an excellent primer on hope, optimism, cynicism, and the effects these dispositions have on our [[brains]]. [https://www.theringer.com/2024/9/27/24255536/the-surprising-science-of-cynicism-plus-the-policy-paradox-of-the-2024-election This interview on Plain English] gives a good overview of the topics discussed in the [[book]].

			[https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13543093-the-better-angels-of-our-nature Stephen Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature] is another [[book]] that makes a strong case for long-term optimism about humanity. This was written long before his recent turn towards the Dark Enlightenment, and the general trends he cites still hold up even if there has been some recent backsliding. The chart below makes the same case infographically.

	== Optimistic Trends ==		== Optimistic Trends ==

Fractalguy: /* Learning Optimism from a Book */

2025-06-05T13:02:53Z

Learning Optimism from a Book

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	[[File:Optimism-this-is-your-brain-on-optimism.jpeg\|thumb\|This is your [[brain]] on optimism.]]		[[File:Optimism-this-is-your-brain-on-optimism.jpeg\|thumb\|This is your [[brain]] on optimism.]]
	The optimal state of [[mind]] is [[wikipedia:Optimism\|optimism]]. [https://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2017/11/19/brain-science-reveals-the-striking-power-of-optimism/][https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/jan/01/tali-sharot-the-optimism-bias-extract][https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3807005/][https://www.centreforoptimism.com/happiness]<blockquote>''"My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud."'' -[[wikipedia:Henry_Rollins\|Henry Rollins]]</blockquote>When you are [[happier]], you have more motivation and energy, and you can do more to actually achieve the goals and bring about the changes you are so hopeful about. This is the type of optimism that becomes [[self-fulfilling]].		The optimal state of [[mind]] is [[wikipedia:Optimism\|optimism]]. [https://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2017/11/19/brain-science-reveals-the-striking-power-of-optimism/][https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/jan/01/tali-sharot-the-optimism-bias-extract][https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3807005/][https://www.centreforoptimism.com/happiness][https://buildersmovement.org/2025/06/04/cynical-genius-myth/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06052025&utm_content=btn]<blockquote>''"My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud."'' -[[wikipedia:Henry_Rollins\|Henry Rollins]]</blockquote>When you are [[happier]], you have more motivation and energy, and you can do more to actually achieve the goals and bring about the changes you are so hopeful about. This is the type of optimism that becomes [[self-fulfilling]].

	Optimism is the natural result of [[Primal world beliefs\|Good Primal World Beliefs]].		Optimism is the natural result of [[Primal world beliefs\|Good Primal World Beliefs]].

Fractalguy: /* Optimistic Music */

2025-04-19T16:02:38Z

Optimistic Music

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	== Optimistic Music ==		== Optimistic Music ==
	You have to admit it's getting better all the time.{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGlo9LzmOME\|\|center\|Beatles - Getting Better\|frame}}		You have to admit it's getting better all the time (statistically).{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGlo9LzmOME\|\|center\|Beatles - Getting Better\|frame}}

	== Counterpoint ==		== Counterpoint ==
	If you prefer to wallow in self-justified pessimism, Schopenhauer may be the [[philosopher]] for you!		If you prefer to wallow in self-justified pessimism, Schopenhauer may be the [[philosopher]] for you!
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRRA1e1YVBs\|\|center\|Studies in Pessimism by Arthur Schopenhauer\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRRA1e1YVBs\|\|center\|Studies in Pessimism by Arthur Schopenhauer\|frame}}

Fractalguy: /* Hope Versus Optimism */

2025-03-21T13:54:49Z

Hope Versus Optimism

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:54, 21 March 2025
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	== Hope Versus Optimism ==		== Hope Versus Optimism ==
	This is not advocating for unrealistic optimism, which leads to bad decision making. It is the hopeful optimism that things will continue to [[Self-improvement\|improve]] and [[self-correct]], and people's lives will get [[happier]], [[society]] will become more [[Justice\|just]]. It is looking back on the events of your [[life]] and seeing them in the best light, where negative experiences turn into opportunities to learn, grow, or build resilience. It is the [[belief]] in an [[God Concept\|omnibenevolent universe]] that becomes a constant source of [[wonder]] and awe.		This is not advocating for unrealistic optimism, which leads to bad decision making. It is the hopeful optimism that things will continue to [[Self-improvement\|improve]] and [[self-correct]], and people's lives will get [[happier]], [[society]] will become more [[Justice\|just]], if we continue to do the [[work]]. It is looking back on the events of your [[life]] and seeing them in the best light, where negative experiences turn into opportunities to learn, grow, or build resilience. It is the [[belief]] in an [[God Concept\|omnibenevolent universe]] that becomes a constant source of [[wonder]] and awe.

	== Learning Optimism from a Book ==		== Learning Optimism from a Book ==

Fractalguy at 13:53, 21 March 2025

2025-03-21T13:53:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:53, 21 March 2025
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	[[File:Optimism-this-is-your-brain-on-optimism.jpeg\|thumb\|This is your [[brain]] on optimism.]]		[[File:Optimism-this-is-your-brain-on-optimism.jpeg\|thumb\|This is your [[brain]] on optimism.]]
	The optimal state of [[mind]] is [[wikipedia:Optimism\|optimism]]. [https://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2017/11/19/brain-science-reveals-the-striking-power-of-optimism/][https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/jan/01/tali-sharot-the-optimism-bias-extract][https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3807005/][https://www.centreforoptimism.com/happiness]<blockquote>''"My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud."'' -[[wikipedia:Henry_Rollins\|Henry Rollins]]</blockquote>~~This doesn't mean unrealistic optimism, which leads to bad decision making. It is the hopeful optimism that things will continue to~~ [[~~Self-improvement\|improve~~]] and ~~[[self-correct]]~~, and ~~people's lives will get [[happier]], [[society]] will become~~ more ~~[[Justice\|just]]. It is looking back on~~ the ~~events of your [[life]]~~ and ~~seeing them in~~ the ~~best light, where negative experiences turn into opportunities to learn, grow, or build resilience~~. It is the ~~[[belief]] in an [[God Concept\|omnibenevolent universe]]~~ that becomes ~~a constant source of~~ [[~~wonder~~]] ~~and awe~~.		The optimal state of [[mind]] is [[wikipedia:Optimism\|optimism]]. [https://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2017/11/19/brain-science-reveals-the-striking-power-of-optimism/][https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/jan/01/tali-sharot-the-optimism-bias-extract][https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3807005/][https://www.centreforoptimism.com/happiness]<blockquote>''"My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud."'' -[[wikipedia:Henry_Rollins\|Henry Rollins]]</blockquote>When you are [[happier]], you have more motivation and energy, and you can do more to actually achieve the goals and bring about the changes you are so hopeful about. This is the type of optimism that becomes [[self-fulfilling]].

	~~When you are [[happier]], you have more motivation and energy, and you can do more to actually achieve the goals and bring about the changes you are so hopeful about. This~~ is the ~~type~~ of ~~optimism that becomes~~ [[~~self-fulfilling~~]].		Optimism is the natural result of [[Primal world beliefs\|Good Primal World Beliefs]].

	Optimism is the ~~natural result~~ of [[~~Primal world beliefs~~\|~~Good Primal World Beliefs~~]].		== Hope Versus Optimism ==
			This is not advocating for unrealistic optimism, which leads to bad decision making. It is the hopeful optimism that things will continue to [[Self-improvement\|improve]] and [[self-correct]], and people's lives will get [[happier]], [[society]] will become more [[Justice\|just]]. It is looking back on the events of your [[life]] and seeing them in the best light, where negative experiences turn into opportunities to learn, grow, or build resilience. It is the [[belief]] in an [[God Concept\|omnibenevolent universe]] that becomes a constant source of [[wonder]] and awe.

	== Learning Optimism from a Book ==		== Learning Optimism from a Book ==

Fractalguy at 14:46, 20 February 2025

2025-02-20T14:46:59Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:46, 20 February 2025
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	When you are [[happier]], you have more motivation and energy, and you can do more to actually achieve the goals and bring about the changes you are so hopeful about. This is the type of optimism that becomes [[self-fulfilling]].		When you are [[happier]], you have more motivation and energy, and you can do more to actually achieve the goals and bring about the changes you are so hopeful about. This is the type of optimism that becomes [[self-fulfilling]].

			Optimism is the natural result of [[Primal world beliefs\|Good Primal World Beliefs]].

	== Learning Optimism from a Book ==		== Learning Optimism from a Book ==

Fractalguy at 12:29, 12 February 2025

2025-02-12T12:29:10Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:29, 12 February 2025
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	<br>		<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO1kgl0p-Hw\|\|center\|Power of Positivity\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO1kgl0p-Hw\|\|center\|Power of Positivity\|frame}}
	<br>
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGlo9LzmOME\|\|center\|Beatles - Getting Better\|frame}}		== Optimistic Poetry ==
			[[wikipedia:Derek_Mahon\|Derek Mahon]]'s [https://poemanalysis.com/derek-mahon/kinsale/ Kinsale] really captures the vibe of optimism.<blockquote>The kind of rain we knew is a thing of the past --

			deep-delving, dark, deliberate you would say,

			browsing on spire and bogland; but today

			our sky-blue slates are steaming in the sun,

			our yachts tinkling and dancing in the bay

			like race-horses. We contemplate at last

			shining windows, a future forbidden to no-one. </blockquote>

			== Optimistic Music ==
			You have to admit it's getting better all the time.{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGlo9LzmOME\|\|center\|Beatles - Getting Better\|frame}}

	== Counterpoint ==		== Counterpoint ==
	If you prefer to wallow in self-justified pessimism, Schopenhauer may be the [[philosopher]] for you!		If you prefer to wallow in self-justified pessimism, Schopenhauer may be the [[philosopher]] for you!
	{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRRA1e1YVBs\|\|center\|Studies in Pessimism by Arthur Schopenhauer\|frame}}		{{#ev:youtube\|https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRRA1e1YVBs\|\|center\|Studies in Pessimism by Arthur Schopenhauer\|frame}}

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:02, 5 June 2025
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	[[File:Optimism-this-is-your-brain-on-optimism.jpeg\|thumb\|This is your [[brain]] on optimism.]]		[[File:Optimism-this-is-your-brain-on-optimism.jpeg\|thumb\|This is your [[brain]] on optimism.]]
	The optimal state of [[mind]] is [[wikipedia:Optimism\|optimism]]. [https://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2017/11/19/brain-science-reveals-the-striking-power-of-optimism/][https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/jan/01/tali-sharot-the-optimism-bias-extract][https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3807005/][https://www.centreforoptimism.com/happiness]<blockquote>''"My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud."'' -[[wikipedia:Henry_Rollins\|Henry Rollins]]</blockquote>When you are [[happier]], you have more motivation and energy, and you can do more to actually achieve the goals and bring about the changes you are so hopeful about. This is the type of optimism that becomes [[self-fulfilling]].		The optimal state of [[mind]] is [[wikipedia:Optimism\|optimism]]. [https://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2017/11/19/brain-science-reveals-the-striking-power-of-optimism/][https://www.theguardian.com/science/2012/jan/01/tali-sharot-the-optimism-bias-extract][https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3807005/][https://www.centreforoptimism.com/happiness][https://buildersmovement.org/2025/06/04/cynical-genius-myth/?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=06052025&utm_content=btn]<blockquote>''"My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud."'' -[[wikipedia:Henry_Rollins\|Henry Rollins]]</blockquote>When you are [[happier]], you have more motivation and energy, and you can do more to actually achieve the goals and bring about the changes you are so hopeful about. This is the type of optimism that becomes [[self-fulfilling]].

	Optimism is the natural result of [[Primal world beliefs\|Good Primal World Beliefs]].		Optimism is the natural result of [[Primal world beliefs\|Good Primal World Beliefs]].