The Optimism Dilemma: Balancing Hope and Realism

This chapter examines the nature of optimism and its correlations with positive life outcomes, such as health and success. It introduces the concept of 'agentic optimism,' which emphasizes personal agency, while contrasting it with defensive pessimism as a strategy for managing anxiety. Through personal anecdotes and critical analysis, the chapter highlights the complexities of optimism versus realism, urging a balanced approach to hopefulness and grounded reality.