While we’re feeling gloomier about the future, Australia actually ranks highly on many economic and social measures.
Articles on Pessimism
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The English cleric and economist’s name is used to malign critics of progress. But historical context sheds a different light on Malthus’ ideas, a scholar argues.
Research shows that associations between optimism and physical health tend to be positive — meaning that young people who were more optimistic or less pessimistic were healthier.
Canadians have a distorted view of others’ financial well-being compared to their neighbours across the border.
The perception of a worsening cost of living, combined with seeing Canada as significantly more unequal, is creating a perfect storm for a deteriorating sense of control in everyday life.
Science is essential for human flourishing. So why does so much science communication paint a bleak, nihilist picture of the world?
For Buffett, escapism was not merely some fiddling flight of fancy. It acknowledged the brutalities and indignities of everyday life.
Pessimism, as explored by the philosopher Schopenhauer, offers tools to come to terms with the idea that refusing to relentlessly pursue happiness is perhaps the most reasonable attitude.
According to a recent study, optimists were more likely to live into their nineties.
This study wanted to find whether believing your child is better at school than they actually are was detrimental or beneficial to the child’s academic success. Turns out, it actually helps.
Think American democracy is ending? You’re not alone, writes a historian. American leaders have often yielded to despair – as far back as the founding of the republic.
Optimism and pessimism can lead to poor decision making.
Some people are growing weary with romantic and dystopian visions of the future. Instead, our focus is on now.
The more humans seek happiness, the more it can elude them. In exploring this conundrum, a Nigerian novelist spoke with everyday people in his country, finding the coexistence of hope and deprivation.
Negative thinking may help some people manage their health.
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Professor of Sociology and Canada Research Chair, University of Toronto
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Professor in Social & Health Psychology, Durham University
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Professor of Organisational Behaviour, Bayes Business School, City St George's, University of London
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Doctoral Researcher, Strategy, Collective Action & Technology, GEM
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Research Fellow, Centre for Social Impact, UNSW
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Professor of Economics and Behavioural Science, School of Management, University of Bath
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PhD Student, Sociology, University of Toronto
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Pro-vice-chancellor Research, Australian Catholic University
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Senior Research Fellow, Australian Catholic University
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Professor of American History, Università di Torino
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Professor in department Law, Managment, and Social Sciences, EM Lyon Business School
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Associate Professor, UCL Centre for Education Policy & Equalising Opportunities, UCL
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PhD, Philosophy, Western University
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Professor of Philosophy, Dominican University
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Professor of Management, Department of Management, London School of Economics and Political Science