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Some criticize those who look at the future in a positive light, and it's easy to scoff. It seems so more intelligent to look at current trends and predict the worst. After all, how can anybody be optimistic?
I would remind these people nihilism and hopelessness is nothing new; looking back, there have always been doomsayers...these people have always been proved wrong, much as those predicting the imminent return of Christ have been disappointed.
On closer examination, those who in the present moment foresee disaster seem Cassandra-like in their desperate insistence the world is about to end.
More captivating to me are realistic proposals for the transformation of the present state of affairs into something better.
After all, there are many positive developments.
Viewed from this vantage point, Trump may only be a blip on the screen, as might be the current overall situation. It might actually be a good thing, if we take the necessary corrective action.
I'm not asking for unrealistic pie-in-the-sky bromides, just forward thinking positivity...
Anybody?

Storm1752 8 Aug 8
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6 comments

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only problem with being positive is the fact that the world is run by sociopaths is a little difficult to ignore.

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Many who are pessimistic prioritize short term stresses, even tragedies, over long term consequences (outcomes) of anything.

I'm a perpetual optimist and when i was out working (playing) in the 'real' world of business, conflict, and negotiating, i was sometimes called (or covertly perceived) as a "Pollyanna."

I guess i was always an optimist, an attitude which was strengthened after surviving my physical near-death. I came out of that experience smarter and smiling, and 50 years later, i'm still smiling.

My glass is always refillable. So call me Polly and see if i give a damn. LOL

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I'll be happy to join you in a little optimism. 🙂 I am of the opinion that life, in general, is better than before, and for more people than before.

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I am very positive about the future.
In Ireland recently we got a new government. It's a coalition of 2 right of center parties and a Left Green party. We have now passed legislation than mandates our government to reduce green house gas emissions by 7% a year for 10 years. We already produce 30% of our electricity from Wind power and this is to increase to 70% within the next 3 years with several large scale Wind farms becoming operational soon.
The Pandemic has shown us we can beat anything. And we can do it as a community working together. All our political class from left to right united and our citizens suppressed the Virus and observed the science and the medical advice given to us.
I live in a country that in the last 5 years legalized Gay marriage and the right to choose for women.
And our social democracy gives everyone FREE health care and affordable college (Free if you come from a family below a certain income). And the Catholic church has lost it's power. We have gone from being the most conservative country in Europe to the most liberal country in Europe. This has happened in the space of 20 years.
Our economy is doing well and we were prepared form an economic shock because we planned for such an event. We had a rainy day fund put aside from our budget Surpluses from the last number of years. Our government announced that it's Covid19 payment for workers (Double the normal unemployment payment) that is there for anyone that cannot work because of Covid19 is extended until April 2021.
I have every reason to be optimistic about the future

That's incredible. Thank you.
I'm glad we in our small way could help

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For the world outlook it's hard not to be pessimistic. For our personal world, if we aren't in a toxic relationship, are not in financial trouble, get three hots and a cot, life is good. We can't change the world and if that is acceptable that's optimism. Return of Christ? There is no Christ! Never was! Live your life for now! Once it's over, fade to black.

Thanks. I don't nececarilly believe it's fade to Black, but I do agree three hots and a cot is a good place to start...been there, partner!
Looking forward to the Biden Era.
Tell me, can we instill a substitute, fact-based 'religion' to fill that empty hole so many people feel?

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"these people have always been proved wrong"

Is there (credible/verifiable) EVIDENCE that "forward thinking positivity" is more accurate than "doomsayers" ?

@Allamanda I guess I should have added objective, falsifiable evidence.

correlation not-equal causation 😛

Well, no...I was just saying the doomsayers have been proven wrong continuously, as far as the world coming to an end. It hasn't happened, has it?
But no, there's also no credible evidence thinking positivity has an effect. So what?
I'd argue we might as well be positive. Happy people (a byproduct of thinking positive and having fun) enjoy themselves more
Since our physical bodies are doomed anyway, we might as well enjoy them while we can. And if we convince ourselves everything's great (or will be), what's the harm?
I'm (almost) convinced there's an afterlife. Well, you might say, what if there isn't? I retort, 'Well, I'm going to lean that way because it makes me happier. Facts? Evidence? Sure. But that's beside the point. Thinking the worst is a drag. If it's okay with you Demerol I'm going to live FOREVER!
That impulse toward positivity may have led to the creation of religion in the first place, but then sone A--HOLE men got ahold of it and turned into something negative. Just a thought

@Storm1752 I don't advocate 'grumpy' or thinking the worst.

"what's the harm" -- I contend that "sugar coating leads to truth decay"

Aside from being liberal/left I like to think I'm persuaded by good (CT) arguments from any 'side'.

"Happy people" -- I'm persuaded that happiness is a circumstance, not a condition. 🙂

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