"Irrationally Optimistic" Attitude towards America's Future and a Life-Changing Book

The New York Times' self-proclaimed irrational optimist believes that America's unique culture and energy give it the ability to overcome challenges. Although optimistic in the long term, they admit that the short term will be bad. They credit the book 'Paddington Bear' for inspiring them to become a writer, but also mention 'Reflections on the Revolution in France' as a significant influence, teaching them to be humble about what they can know and to trust emotions over reason when making incremental changes.