Optimism: My Weapon

I think it pays to be optimistic. Not only because of the general feeling you get by looking on the bright side of things, but logically speaking, most optimistic people are the ones who take risks and manage to succeed. It's not an issue of them being more skilled or talented (though from an argumentative standpoint, an optimistic person seems more likely to go through with an arduous task because they predict a successful outcome), but really what sets apart an optimistic person from someone more 'realistic' is the ability to pinpoint an opportunity under adverse situations or outcomes. It's a tough question to answer; whether this ability to see the silver lining arises from an inherent reason (making them optimistic) or whether it comes from the idea that they are optimistic by society's standards, thus making them push to see that beneficial side effect of an event.

Of course optimism can be seen as a tool rather than an attribute or feeling that someone carries. And like a tool, it has its uses during certain periods. For example, optimism during a crisis or terrible period is probably more detrimental to your well-being than it normally would. As Scott Adams (writer of Dilbert) outlined- your boss is more likely to fire the happy optimist than anyone else, since the optimist is the least likely to be a basketcase/crybaby when you decide to let them go. It depends on the context of the situation when to bring it around...it can be a weapon- helping you rally people towards your ideals, or it could be a shield- meant to defend yourself from the criticism and witticisms associated with something you inherently believe in.

To quote Penny-Arcade, I've always held the default emotion of cautious optimism. It makes sense in several ways. For one thing, it is the path of least resistance, since it fits under any context, meaning a change in environment or conditions doesn't require a drastic change in perspective, which by experience, is something difficult to achieve. Another advantage is it ensures you approach every condition with a logical approach, evaluating every opportunity that comes along. Be skeptical but be willing to believe that it is for the best, just because it may not agree with your compass.