Optimism that everything that happens is for the best
Page 54. Optimism that everything that happens is for the best. Call, dammit Heir, the first female Prime Minister of Israel, used to say “pessimism is a luxury that a Jew can never allow! “Why did she refer to pessimism as a luxury? It seems to be a peculiar word to use. The reason is that pessimism leads to laziness. A pessimist rarely accomplishes anything.
— from The Relationship With Yourself (Traits/Reflection) · 7 Traits, How to Change Your World
In the book
Optimism. Not the fantasy that everything will go the way you want — that is just a setup for disappointment — but the deeper outlook that life itself is fundamentally positive. Golda Meir called pessimism a luxury a person can never allow, and she meant it precisely: pessimism leads to laziness, because a pessimist rarely bothers to try. And you can steer yourself toward the brighter outlook deliberately: each time you turn your attention to something you are grateful for, you move away from the very thought that was about to make you anxious. […] Build your character on purpose. You are not set like plaster: pick one trait, set small goals, act the part, and track it in a log. Choose optimism over pessimism, humility over pride, grit over giving up, and generosity over entitlement. Reflect daily, but reflect — don't brood. Spend a few minutes each night on a handful of honest questions; just be sure you are evaluating to improve, not circling to torment yourself. — The Relationship With Yourself (Traits/Reflection)