i saw this on one of those "cute" church signs, and wonder what people on ya think.
2006-07-09 12:00:27 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
Probably not. Most intellectuals like to analyze situations and be very pragmatic. By definition, optimism defies what is easily percieved by the senses and analysis, which is what intellectuals depend on. So, no. Intellectuals look at the logical reality that is presented before them, rarely putting much hope on the mere chance that everything will just so happen to work out for the better. But that's just my opinion.
2006-07-10 15:41:20 · answer #1 · answered by jermaine 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
An optimist is a pessimist that gave up, so cheer up! Whether optimism is nature or nurture or intellect - it does not matter as long as you got lots of it.
It is like the father telling his friend his kid is a total optimist. The friend does not believe it, they concoct an experiment and put the kid in a dark room, the only thing in the room is an 8 foot high pile of horse manure. The kid circles the pile and gleefully starts digging. To their question "what are you so happy about" the kid answers. "With all this horse **** there must be a pony here somewhere."
Keep Smilin'
2006-07-09 12:13:41 · answer #2 · answered by HANAN. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Optimism is a personality characteristic. Studies have shown that about 50% of this characteristic is genetically inherited from your parents. The debate is about where the other 50% comes from. The best explanation I have heard is from Judith Rich Harris' "The Nurture Assumption" where she makes a very scholaraly argument that characterisitcs such as optimism are acquired by the way we interact and are treated by our peers. Note, she does NOT say parents. Sounds radical, but her arguments make sense. A highly recommended read.
2006-07-09 15:17:01 · answer #3 · answered by Steve K 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just like anything in our lives. Optomism is a choice. You can either sit and feel sorry for yourself and hate the world and think that your life is over or you can learn to see the bright light and realize that everything serves a purpose and it's not the end of the world if something goes wrong
2006-07-09 12:05:48 · answer #4 · answered by HappyCat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that while most people simply tend to be optimistic or pessimistic by personality, either can be an intellectual choice. You certainly can choose to be optimistic, I've made myself change my thinking many a time.
2006-07-09 12:05:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is. When faced with a problem or situation that is out of our realm of understanding, we have choices. We can either look at the situation and find the good or we can see nothing but the bad.
2006-07-09 14:14:02 · answer #6 · answered by kathy059 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it makes your endorphines slow down your sadness or stress, therefore, you can go and make a better choice about what's your next step in life/business/relationship, etc.
2006-07-09 14:11:35 · answer #7 · answered by Mario N 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's good to be optimistic, but sometimes you must put yourself in the corner and say, "I could have done better."
2006-07-09 12:10:23 · answer #8 · answered by Izumi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you've got to have a mind to make a choice..now you've got to have focus and purpose to make a decision of action.
2006-07-09 12:06:54 · answer #9 · answered by grace b 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's good to be optimistic, but you have to prepare yourself, if things don't turn out good.
2006-07-09 16:46:50 · answer #10 · answered by tictak kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋