Saving our World with the Dynamic Tension of Optimism and Pessimism

We live in a very fragile biosphere. We have shrunk the size of our world dramatically in the past century. And it's that growing realization that will save us. In my Growing the Distance: Personal Implementation Guide I devoted a large section to the power of optimism and the dangers of pessimism. The American Heritage Dictionary defines optimism as "the belief that the universe is improving and that good will ultimately triumph over evil." In contrast, pessimism is "the doctrine or belief that this is the worst of all possible worlds and that all things ultimately tend toward evil."

We need the dynamic tension of both optimism and pessimism. Unrestrained optimism can lead to complacency and refusal to address problems that need improvement action. Chronic pessimism builds a self-fulfilling cycle that spirals ever downward to hopelessness, cynicism, and inaction. Leaders who make a difference and improve this world are forward thinking optimists balanced with strategic pessimism.

There are many hopeful signs in many spheres of life on this planet that we are awakening to the connections between the spiritual, environmental, business, and political realms. I am very optimistic that we'll solve many of these problems facing us today. I am also quite sure that those same solutions will cause tomorrow's problems. And so the wheel of life and leadership will continue to turn for future generations.