I guess it depends on what your foundation for optimism is. Some base it on their faith in God, that He is faithful and can always be counted on to create something good out of even the worst of messes. This is certainly a solid reason for hope.
The optimism of others is planted firmly on the foundation of what they believe they can accomplish on their own merits; that they have the experience and wherewithal to create a good outcome, no matter what lies ahead. I like and admire those guys. I want to punch them in the nose sometimes, but I really like them.
There is an elite group of optimists that combine one or both of the above with an upbeat view of other people. They have an innate ability to focus on the positive characteristics of most people they meet. It's not that they don't see negative traits; they just try to overlook them. I've heard the statement made: "every man is my superior in some way." These CCOs (cream of the crop optimists) seem to get this. I like these people too, and it would be very, very bad to even think about punching them in the nose. They'd probably find a reason to thank you for it anyway.
"Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups."
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As a recovering sarcastiholic*, I have to point out another kind of optimist. They have a disorder I call the Union Member Syndrome. These are the ones who are optimistic only because they are too dull to see the predicament they have gotten themselves into, and would be too lazy to do anything about it if they did. Their optimism is founded solely in the expectation that someone is going to bail them out of every situation. With that in mind, their outlook is rosey because their view is only one crisis ahead. They don't manage their lives; they manage their emergencies. Pity the fool who has UMS but is working a non-union job. Those in union leadership who have the unenviable job of representing these people should get a purple heart and a lifetime supply of Tums.
In a back-handed (sarcastic) compliment someone once said "Brazil has a bright future and always will." I don't know anything about Brazil, but I think I know a lot of "Brazilians." They each have a union steward, and the future never comes.
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*sar.cas.ti.hol.ic [sar-cas-tuh-haw-lic]
-noun
1. Pathology. A person suffering from sarcasm-ism
2. A person addicted to getting the last word in.
2 comments:
I think your outcome will be hopefull even around the UMS!
Being an engineer, I always design for the worst to happen. Unfortunately, my cup seems to be half empty. But God has given be great joy to overcome this attitude.
However, I like being around Jeff Edwards, his optimism just rolls off himself to others.
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