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Being optimistic Quote by George Saunders

“I am trying to remember that things have certainly been crazier in human history and they may get crazier here and now, and [here I am trying to be optimistic] it's even a good thing, to be going through all of this, if only to be reminded that history hasn't stopped - human existence is as…” quote by George Saunders
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“I am trying to remember that things have certainly been crazier in human history and they may get crazier here and now, and [here I am trying to be optimistic] it's even a good thing, to be going through all of this, if only to be reminded that history hasn't stopped - human existence is as fundamentally unmanageable now as it ever was.”

George Saunders

About This Quote

Source Essay: The New Yorker, “The Optimist’s Dilemma”, 2020

History is chaotic and unmanageable, yet optimism can be a useful coping tool amid turmoil.

In simple terms: History is chaotic; optimism helps.

Key Takeaway

Embrace optimism despite chaos.

Themes

history optimism chaos

Mood

thoughtful cautiously hopeful

Type

essay philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal crises
  • global events
  • mental resilience

Key Concepts

philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can optimism coexist with realistic assessment?
  • When does optimism become denial?
A Different Perspective

Optimism may blind to real dangers.

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