Naive optimism is defined as the belief that good outcomes are more likely and bad outcomes are less likely to happen to oneself than they are to other people.

(ex: thinking someone is good first, then discovering otherwise instead of the reverse – or hopefully never)

12 comments

  1. I think that sometimes it’s a case of self-fulfilling prophecy.

    For example, if I go to a job interview and I feel positive about it, perhaps I’m more likely to smile, have positive body language and make a better first impression. If I go in thinking the worst, perhaps I’ll come across as unconfident and people will doubt my abilities.

    Being naive leads to disappointment, but being positive yet realistic will get you far.

  2. As you’ve specified that this is “naive” optimism, I am going to think that the person should be sure to learn more about the realistic details of the situation and better inform themselves as to the potential of the possible outcomes. Being optimistic while also being reasonable and accepting that reality rarely meets your ideals is fine. Being blindly and naively optimistic is a recipe for disaster, poor planning, and unintended outcomes.

  4. Honestly? I’ve discovered it’s an integral part of who I am. I have been disappointed and hurt by it countless times at this point in my life (I’m 45) but it’s still there and I still don’t fight it because it makes me happy and is a big part of who I am.

  6. I think when you believe something about the world, youre more likely to see the results of that thing you believe. Like someone who believes like this may or may not experience more positive thing’s in their life overall, but they Will absolutely see more of the positive things happening around them or to them. The opposite is true as well. If you have a negative outlook, you will notice more negative things happening in your life than you would otherwise.

  8. Naive optimism is pretty much the same like delusional confidence sprinkled with a bit of the Dunning-Kruger effect!

  11. Have you seen the movie “Pollyanna” 1960 Disney with Hayley Mills. There was a very clear message about finding the goodness in people. It had a very heartwarming feel to it as the audience rooted for the protagonist to show others how to keep a positive mental outlook. That was an example of Naive Optimism.

    I understand some people will adopt this outlook. That’s great. But it’s not realistic, in my own personal opinion and experience.

    The world isn’t set up that way, unfortunately. There’s an old saying that I keep in my head when facing an uncertain situation: “There are no victims, only volunteers”.

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