Looking back at the definition of optimism I was struck by the fact that the word hope and belief were used.
In elementary philosophy students are taught to differentiate thoughts from belief. One especially amusing professor said, "You may well believe you can fly out the window. But, you think that if you work hard and learn that you might attain your degree in philosophy. Thinking needs a foundation but faith does not."
My guess is that successful optimists manage to develop and encourage feelings that things will turn out well. And, this reminds me of faith...
But, faith tends to leave out troublesome questions like what if. Optimism, it seems, may contain the flexibility to allow for what if questions. In this way, healthy optimism be more of state of confidence rather than simple faith. The what ifs may come to pass, but they will be addressed and overcome.
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