Optimism as an Explanation for Failure and Problem-Solving

Optimism is not about expecting everything to be flawless and great, but rather recognizing that failures, problems, and setbacks are catalysts for innovation and problem-solving. History shows that many good things have happened as a reaction to bad things, pushing people to fix what is wrong in the world. Examples include the intense learn-and-fix process that follows plane accidents, driving improvements in air travel safety, and the surge of productivity and innovative technologies that emerged from the Great Depression. The constant human desire to one-up past successes and the generational knowledge transfer further compound progress and advancements across various fields.