“The essence of Optimism is that it takes no account of the present.
But it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others
have resigned. It enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the
future for himself, and not to abandon it to his enemy.”
But it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others
have resigned. It enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the
future for himself, and not to abandon it to his enemy.”
This statement recorded by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Lutheran theologian and resistance leader encapsulates the fundamental meaning of being an optimist.
Optimism does not have a simple definition; it refers to the expectation that good things rather than bad things will happen. It is a concept where one looks upon the world as a positive place. Optimists generally believe that people are inherently good and that over time, things will always work out favorably in the end. It is classically characterized in the example of the glass that has been filled half way. While the pessimist will lament that it is half empty, the optimist will rejoice that it was at least half full. Even in situations in which the outcome was less than expected, the optimist understands that it could not have been avoided, and does project it as a flaw or mishap in his life, and quickly moves on.
Throughout the ages, in every aspect of life, optimism in one form or other, has always been a fundamental component in successful outcomes. History is replete with examples of leaders whose successes have been achieved because of their optimism and refusal to consider any other option. I am sure in our own experiences, anyone of us will have no difficulty in identifying many examples of successful people whose singular quality was an abundant supply of optimism. In some ways it is the essential oil which lubricates the machine of hope. Without this driving force and inexhaustible source of energy little will be achieved even under the best conditions.
Over the years in both my private and professional career, I have had the good fortune to meet with, or read about a large number of people who have displayed by word, deed or example varying degrees of optimism in their lives. Many of them I have admired, and in some cases I have tried to emulate in my own life. But of all of these, there is one person who for me, stands out as an phenomenal example of the power of optimism in determining the quality of life and living.
Over the years in both my private and professional career, I have had the good fortune to meet with, or read about a large number of people who have displayed by word, deed or example varying degrees of optimism in their lives. Many of them I have admired, and in some cases I have tried to emulate in my own life. But of all of these, there is one person who for me, stands out as an phenomenal example of the power of optimism in determining the quality of life and living.
I refer to the incomparable Helen Adam Keller, the renowned American author, political activist and lecturer, who was able to overcome a profound handicap of deafblindness which she acquired from early childhood as a result of an acute infectious disease. With the special help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, and with determination, fortitude and persistence she was able to acquire extensive skills in communication and learning, attended Radcliffe College and go on to become a successful advocate for several causes, worldwide. She wrote several well received books and in her lifetime received international recognition in America, Europe and Asia.
Throughout her life, Helen Keller attributed her own accomplishments to her profound optimism and did not hesitate to demonstrate this in word, deed or action. From very early in her life, she resolved to make the most of her life and not let any circumstance, handicap or other misfortune to determine her fate. In fact she firmly believed that lessons can be learnt even in these situations. In 1903, while still an undergraduate at Radcliffe, she published a short essay entitled The Optimist, in which she expressed her feelings on this subject. It is a masterpiece and should be read by everyone. (link attached below)
For me, I shall always remember Helen Keller not as a person who overcame profound handicaps, but for having left us a legacy of overcoming, by living optimistically and her belief that:
For me, I shall always remember Helen Keller not as a person who overcame profound handicaps, but for having left us a legacy of overcoming, by living optimistically and her belief that:
“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement.
Nothing can be done without hope and confidence”
http://www.archive.org/stream/optimismessay00kelliala#page/14/mode
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Nothing can be done without hope and confidence”
http://www.archive.org/stream/optimismessay00kelliala#page/14/mode
< >
Optimism is a seed grown in the soil of faith.
….William Arthur Ward
Optimism is the foundation of courage.
….Nicholas Murray Butler
Teaching is the greatest act of Optimism.
…..Colleen Wilcox
Optimism is the opium of the people.
……Milan Kundera
Optimism is the madness of insisting that all is well
when we are miserable.
….. Voltaire
The basis of Optimism is sheer terror.
……..Oscar Wilde
An Optimist is the man who always sees the glass half full;
-Even in the desert.
…..Edward A. Moses
Optimism is the opium of the people.
…..Milan Kundera
If you can imagine it, you can achieve it:
If you can dream it, you can become it.
…..William Arthur Ward
The Optimist sees the rose and not its thorns,
The pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious of the rose.
….Khalil Gibran.
An Optimist sees an opportunity in every difficulty,
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity.
….Sir Winston Churchill
An Optimist is a person who travels on nothing,
From nowhere to happiness.
…..Mark Twain
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