Optimism, a rhapsody

A Newsweek article, "This is Your Brain on Optimism," from almost exactly a year ago links optimism to better physical health. A UPenn research interviewed by Newsweek offers two possibilities: 1) optimists take better care of their health since they believe in the potential positive outcome, or 2) optimists are more likable and build better social networks, which has been linked to longevity. The article concludes that optimism is a fundamental brain pattern and possibly an evolutionary survival strategy.


I wonder to what extent optimism is a biologically determined trait, and to what extent it is shaped by our experiences. Is trauma more likely to create or destroy optimism? Or perhaps the answer depends on the circumstances surrounding the trauma? If life does tend to be a self-fulfilling prophecy (on both ends, for the pessimistic as well as the optimistic), then research on how to facilitate optimism -- how to cultivate hope -- may have profound socio-economic impacts.

It would also make me more likable (one of my long-standing dreams is to have infinite charisma), more able to build social networks, and live longer. Benefits all around!