Optimism: The Best is Yet to Come or Already Has Come - Essay Example

Optimism: The best is yet to come or already has come Optimism is often seen as possessing a positive mindset, although several have satirized it such as Voltaire in his work “Candide.” I selected this word because I am an optimistic person myself; although, I understand that too much optimism can produce negative consequences such as naivety and the loss of foresight. Nevertheless, I believe that it is better to focus on optimism more than pessimism, especially when dealing with forces that outside of our control.

This essay will explore the meanings behind optimism. Optimism pertains to a philosophy where everything will happen for the best or the best is already here; without critical thinking skills, this can lead to gullibility, lack of foresight, and decreased motivation. Optimism can be considered a philosophy or belief when it is the dominant mindset of a person in their worldview and experience. For example, no matter what bad occurrence happens to Jim, he believes that the situation could have been much worse or maybe it happened for a reason.

Optimism also dismisses all negative thinking. When asked if a glass is half-empty, an optimist will concur that it is half-full. When asked why God will allow evil to happen, an optimist will argue that God has a reason for allowing evil to co-exist with goodness. Moreover, optimism does not waver. Many people can go through a bad experience that will bring about grief or anger, but after letting go of their emotions, they can control themselves and focus on the positive. These types of people allow themselves to feel sad, but like Confucius, they do not allow themselves to sink into depression.

Optimism, like any belief, can go too far and result in gullibility, lack of foresight, and poor motivation. An optimistic person may be too naive that they will be a victim of liars and cheats. As a result, this person may be a psychological punching bag. Furthermore, optimism can make people lose sight and lack critical planning. After all, these people believe that the best will come or the best already has come. This thinking does away with the need to prepare for the future. There is a saying that it is alright to believe that God will protect one’s belongings, but it is better provide security measures just in case.

Finally, although optimism can drive people to pursue their goals, some people may use optimism to keep the status quo. These people are not motivated to change themselves or their circumstances since they consider the best possible scenario as already being in place (“Optimism”). Thus, optimism should not take hold of sensible attitudes or behaviors such as critical thinking because it will not lead to the best world for those who are optimistic. Optimism provokes the human spirit to believe in the best possible outcome.

It can result in the mind and heart having a vision of the best possible world and to work consistently toward it. However, people should not allow optimism to lead to gullibility, lack of foresight, and lower motivation levels. Critical thinking and optimism can used in conjunction to produce the best world for everyone.Work CitedKemerling, Garth. “Optimism.” Philosophy Pages. Web. 12 Sept. 2011. .