Discussion that has evolved over time on Facebook with a few friends. Does positive thinking or Optimism lead to a better life or is it just a way to avoid reality (or something along those lines)? I do appreciate Facebook for bringing me closer to the discovery of cross cultural, multi-religious (or non-religious), across the political spectrum lifestyles. It has brought me You-Tubes as well that range from extremely banal and stupid to those with more deeply crusty subjects. It has kept me in touch with friends I probably would have never reached out to again... it has with the touch of a button on my computer given me the thought of the day around the world. With that said...
There was an article in the NYT Opinion posts that brings to light the positive thinking movement has it's down side as well as detractors. I AM a fan of positive thinking and optimism so this article caught my eye. The writer was talking about health outcomes more than life outcomes... I'm not certain the article has much meaning overall.
I do have to say though that the positive thinking focus can have it's downside.
I would agree that we aren't all dealt a good hand just because we have led a "good" life or come from a "good" family. On the other hand we are not marked for a bad life if we have otherwise made mistakes and knowingly faltered along the path of the righteousness (don't tell my Catholic mother I said that). I've watched good people die... I've seen those who don't seem to care much live a long alcohol/drug soaked life... I've seen good people fall off the wagon and kill others (this is very painful to reconcile)or lose a child violently (as well mind boggling) and I've seen people who had totally selfish pursuits find the God (good) of their understanding and rise up out of the disaster of their own making. It's a mixed bag. Just what is positive and negative as well can have a broad range of definition. Just as life span doesn't mean we have done it right (or wrong)... the meaning of a good life doesn't often come carefully defined and death isn't necessarily a negative.
I really appreciate the discussion overall... thoughts?
2 comments:
Now that's way deep. I think I'm mostly positive because I live with mr pessimistic so I've got to balance that?
I've encountered a few people I really like who are very down on postiives... at first I was really upset about it but I do enjoy a good all out negative conversation "let's trash....." but at the same time I can't stick with a downer for long. I have to believe in positive outcomes although it's okay to be upset about upsetting things. I wonder if we are all talking about the same ideas of negativity now that I'm writing about it. The article is... http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/25/opinion/25sloan.html?nl=todaysheadlines&emc=tha212
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