Hope Versus Optimism

Hope versus Optimism, that is the question. Both hope and optimism are considered universal virtues across most cultures and both are vital behaviors associated with happiness. But does one lead to an unrealistically sunny view of the world or a vague wish with no motivation for action more than the other? Which is more important for a happy life?

What is Hope?
Hope is the desire for something combined with a belief or positive expectation that it is possible to have what you want. There is an element of trust or faith in our notion of hope. In fact, many linguists believe that the word hope shares its roots with the word hop, as in leaping in expectation of a good outcome.

In ancient Greek legends, when Pandora opened her box to let out all the Gods, hope remained in the box indicating that hope is the strongest and most powerful of all the gods. In the Christian religion, hope is one of the three gifts of spirit- faith, hope, and love.

What is Optimism?
The dictionary definition of optimism is an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome. It is generally characterized by a belief that good is stronger or more prevalent than evil or that this is the best of all possible worlds. The word optimism comes from the Latin optimus meaning best, which stems from the root ops meaning power.

In positive psychology, Dr. Seligman defines optimism as the tendency to attribute permanent reasons for success and temporary reasons for failure. For example, if I am optimistic and interview for a job and get it I believe it is because I am skilled and valuable in the work place. If I do not get the job, I believe it is because I was not a good fit in that particular work place.

What Hope and Optimism Have In Common
Is it a question of hope versus optimism? Hope and optimism are often listed as synonyms for each other. In the VIA Study of Virtues and Strengths, both are listed together as one of the universal virtues valued by almost every culture. Both hope and optimism are based in belief and anticipate a positive outcome. Both are considered powerful emotions and therefore forces for good.

How Hope and Optimism Are Different
Hope versus optimism; the differences are subtle. Hope has more of an element of desire- we hope for things we want to happen. We believe what we hope for is possible, but there is more of an element of faith. Optimism has more of an element of confidence- we believe good will come from the situation, we believe good with triumph over evil in the end, or that our innate strengths will carry us through. Perhaps hope is a precursor to optimism in that we must want something and believe it is possible before we can confidently anticipate it will occur.

Hope Versus Optimism For Your Happy Life
Every strength or power is a double edged sword that can cause harm when over-used or used incorrectly. The danger in the overuse of both hope and optimism is that the person will fail to take action to help themselves or others either because they simply wish for the best or because they expect the best. The hope versus optimism debate centers around which virtue is more likely to be misused.

In his study of learned helplessness, Dr. Marin Seligman, the author of Learned Optimism, found that people who felt they had no personal control over a situation learned to accept their lot in life and did not take action to help themselves when they could.

The virtue of hope and of optimism is that they keep us moving, keep us in action towards the thing we desire. Without hope of a positive outcome or a better life, we will tend towards depression, despair, listlessness and helplessness. Studies also suggest that when we expect something good to happen and focus on what we want, we are more likely to see how to make our expectation a reality. Positive emotions like hope and optimism enhance our biological abilities to solve problems and find creative solutions.

In the end it is not a case of hope versus optimism so much as it is hope and optimism. You can choose the term than resonates most with you, or choose both terms. Either way, if you cultivate more hope or optimism in a way that keeps you in action and keeps you focused on what you can do to influence the outcome you desire you will have a happier life.

Learn more about hope versus optimism on the learned optimism page.

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