Why Positivity is More Reasonable Than Pessimism
Updated: Oct 4
Article Synopsis by Mr. O. C. Isaac and Co.
The article "Why Positivity is More Reasonable Than Pessimism" offers a compelling exploration of the impact of positivity and negativity on one's mental and emotional state.
It uses engaging metaphors to make the concept more relatable, while presenting a clear argument that positivity is preferable to negativity. The article also touches on deep emotional concerns, such as depression and suicidal thoughts, making the case for positivity more urgent and impactful.
Part I: How Positivity Pulls You Up When Negativity Threatens to Trap You
In general, it is safe to assume that being positive is a more preferred state to be in than constantly being pessimistic and bitter. This is because negativity is like a force that pulls you down, into the abyss of depression and other probable illnesses. Positivity, on the other hand, is an effort you make in order to resist the negative "gravity" that is trying to pull you into the "darkness" of illnesses, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
The Science Behind Positivity
Impact on Mental Health:
Reduced stress and anxiety: Positive emotions can help regulate the stress hormone cortisol.
Increased mental resilience: Optimists tend to cope better with adversity. "I worked on myself to [always] look at things in a positive light, Otherwise, I would not have survived." -- Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson
Lower depression risk: A positive outlook can buffer against depressive symptoms.
Enhanced cognitive function: Positive emotions are linked to improved problem-solving and creativity.
Impact on Physical Health:
Strengthened immune system: Positive emotions can boost the immune system's response to illness.
Lower risk of heart disease: Optimism has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease.
Faster recovery from illness: A positive mindset can aid in recovery from physical ailments.
Pain management: Positive emotions can help alleviate pain perception.
Key Studies and Concepts
The Broaden-and-Build Theory: This theory suggests that positive emotions expand our awareness and therefore make better decisions. "According to this theory, experiencing any positive emotion should immediately and temporarily “broaden” attention, cognitive, and behavioral responses. This is in comparison to negative emotions which narrow our attention and behaviors to the threat in our environment so that we can behave in such a way as to avoid or reduce the threat." -- The Pennsylvania State University
Optimism and resilience research: Numerous studies have shown a correlation between optimism and better outcomes in various life domains.
Mindfulness and meditation: These practices often cultivate positivity and have been linked to improved well-being. However, this is not always the case, revealing to us the value of balance even in meditation.
Positive psychology: This field of psychology focuses on understanding the strengths and virtues that enable individuals and communities to thrive. "Positive psychology is a branch of psychology focused on the character strengths and behaviors that allow individuals to build a life of meaning and purpose -- to move beyond surviving to flourishing. Theorists and researchers in the field have sought to identify the elements of a good life. They have also proposed and tested practices for improving life satisfaction and well-being." -- PsychologyToday
It's essential to balance positivity with realism. While optimism is beneficial, it's equally important to acknowledge negative emotions and challenges. A healthy mindset often involves finding a balance between the two.
Part II: Negativity As a Dead End on Life's Highway
This can be looked at in the following way: imagine you are climbing a vine in the jungle and suddenly you look down at the distant ground below. This sight fills you with fear as you realize there is a reasonable probability that you will fall to your death.
The most obvious solution is to not look down too much and continue climbing (or going to the next vine and so on). However, it is certain that looking too much at the ground will eventually shatter your assertion and your self-esteem and make you afraid for your life.
I wouldn't say that pessimism equals death, but for the sake of the metaphor, imagine that you are extremely high in the sky, climbing the vines of a jungle. You know that if you fall, it will not only kill you, but it will take a few minutes for you to hit the ground.
It is with the strength of your enduring spirit and with your hopes and dreams, that you can prevent yourself from falling off the vine into the abyss below...
My question is this: What is the practicality of succumbing to bitterness, when it is a force that pulls you down from the height you have managed to reach thus far? Why fall down if it hurts your interest in even getting through life (assuming you are not fully complete with the option of suicide)? Even if it is not apparent, too much and/or regular negativity hurts the mind's health:
If you're someone who analyzes your thoughts, it can be challenging to differentiate negative thinking from the regular worries that everyone has. Feeling sad about an upsetting event is normal, just as worrying about financial burdens or relationship troubles is something we all do from time to time. It’s when those feelings are repetitive and pervasive, however, that problems arise. -- Emma-Marie Smith
It doesn't happen instantly, but it happens slowly. It slowly pulls you down into the darkness, where you find it hard to see, where it is cold, and where there is the potential of despair. It's the acceptance of submitting either temporarily or permanently to said "darkness," caused by losing most if not all the "height" you maintained throughout your life.
It is not practical to sink into the quicksand of emotion. It will leave you deluded and unhealthy.
The Value of Emotional Practicality
Beyond the "edgy" appeal to the dark side of the human condition, there is really no reason to be generally pessimistic when pessimism doesn't do the job a mindset should naturally do: To maintain and improve our good physical and mental conditions. However, we should consider it to be more practical...
Occasional negativity can serve a purpose and not dominate one's mindset. We should be recognizing that occasional negative thoughts are a normal part of life, and we don't have to be letting them dominate one's mindset -- Mr. O. C. Isaac
This is where I bring the concept of emotional practicality. It is as simple as it may sound to you. Thoughts and emotions that don't serve your endeavors in life, whether positively or practically, are best to have their functionality questioned. Without doing so, we may be letting them become a regular habit in the stream of our thoughts.
Take note that this is not a hedonistic approach; addictions also reward you through gratification. However, unlike a healthy positive mindset, they can be destructive if left uncontrolled. The reasoning behind the practicality of positivity is not only because it makes you feel good, but also because it prevents you from doing the worst of all; From committing suicide, to committing mass murder, to abandoning all hope for remedy, hope, or salvation.
Part III: Cultivating Resilience in the Face of Darkness
“Today it is bad, and day by day it will get worse―until at last the worst of all arrives.” -- Arthur Schopenhauer
The problem with pessimism is that it can slowly but gradually lead you to suicidal thoughts if left unchecked. Like any kind of addictive substance, it is like a killer that hunts you slowly if you're not going to set a limit for it, if not defeat it entirely.
Those who wish to be liberated from pessimism should thus look at themselves as if they are recovering from alcohol, drugs, and so on. I'm talking of course about the "serial" pessimists, those who are regularly negative. Of course, it's their choice to be made.
As for the liberty of thought and emotion, it is okay to be sad, angry, to cry, and so on; It is far preferable than forcing oneself a façade of happiness. Happiness is there as an indication of being in a positive mental state for a long period of time. It is to be worked on if one seeks not only to live from day to day but also to feel "alive" beyond mere survival, beyond staying alive.
Viktor Frankl, a holocaust survivor, took much solace in the power of the mind:
“Forces beyond your control can take away everything you possess except one thing, your freedom to choose how you will respond to the situation.”
Genocide survivors have their own victories over their former oppressors, in the form of good lives and families in a nation capable of protecting them from their enemies.
Conclusions: Seeing Beyond the Shadows of Negativity
Whether or not you agree with my thoughts, a great deal of surviving a genocide attempt is to resist the impracticality of pessimism even in the direst of times. Even if you have failed, at least be glad that you tried.
In order to reach a state of regular optimism, look at yourself as a gunslinger. Whenever something unfortunate happens (or at least, something upsetting), shoot first! Try to find at least one positive thing about it or about yourself in relation to it. Don't just submit to an emotion just because you're beginning to feel it. Subvert your own expectations. Remind yourself what you might really prefer!
“I happen to like to shoot first, Rekkon. As opposed to shooting second." -- Han Solo
Once you become accustomed to finding positivity in almost every opportunity, no matter how small, you will then acknowledge the fact that not everything has to be all gloom and doom. That is, even if it appears so at first sight and because of the negativity bias. Remember that much of what appears in front of you is not necessarily there, but in your mental life.
Bonus: How to Discipline Yourself For a Life of Positivity
Practice daily gratitude for the things and beings you have.
Train yourself physically, like in running, long-distance walking, or yoga.
Surround yourself with positive influences, both for your health and for your mind's wellbeing.
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