- published: 05 Jul 2014
- views: 1534562
Optimism is a mental attitude or world view. A common idiom used to illustrate optimism versus pessimism is a glass with water at the halfway point, where the optimist is said to see the glass as half full and the pessimist sees the glass as half empty.
The term is originally derived from the Latin optimum, meaning "best". Being optimistic, in the typical sense of the word, is defined as expecting the best possible outcome from any given situation. This is usually referred to in psychology as dispositional optimism. It thus reflects a belief that future conditions will work out for the best.
Theories of optimism include dispositional models, and models of explanatory style. Methods to measure optimism have been developed within both theoretical systems, such as various forms of the Life Orientation Test, for the original definition of optimism, or the Attributional Style Questionnaire designed to test optimism in terms of explanatory style.
Variation in optimism and pessimism is somewhat heritable and reflects biological trait systems to some degree. It is also influenced by environmental factors, including family environment, with some suggesting it can be learned. Optimism may also be linked to health.
When you feel down, try positive thinking:
That's what I'm told a man said;
Don't wear a frown, try positive thinking,
Laugh at your troubles instead;
You've got to look on the bright side,
On hope so much depends;
With your confidence sinking, postive thinking
Helps you on the way my friend!
When things look black, try positive thinking,
Treat every season as spring;
No glancing back: try positive thinking,
Trust what tomorrow may bring;
This crazy world that we live in
Will keep on spinning 'round;
But with good, strong, positive thinking,
We'll get together and life won't let us down!
When you feel down, try positive thinking:
That's what I'm told a man said;
Don't wear a frown, try positive thinking,
Laugh at your troubles instead;
You've got to look on the bright side,
On hope so much depends;
With your confidence sinking, postive thinking
Helps you on the way my friend!
When things look black, try positive thinking,
Treat every season as spring;
No glancing back: try positive thinking,
Trust what tomorrow may bring;
This crazy world what we live in
Will keep on spinning 'round;
But with good, strong, positive thinking,
Good, strong, positive thinking,
Good, strong, positive drinking,
We'll get together and life won't let us dooooooooooown!
(Eric) (I wish I could sing like that, don't you?)