Even if there are no reasons to be optimistic, there may nevertheless be grounds for hope, allowing us to take action without expectation of positive outcomes.
Aquinas understood hope as a desire arising from the perception of 'a future good that is difficult but possible to obtain,' emphasizing a fundamental aspect of hope over mere optimism.
While optimism concerns expectations that the future will be positive, hope can persist even when the likelihood of a positive outcome seems low, providing motivation to strive.
Psychologists regard optimism as a psychological asset with empirical support for its healthcare benefits, but philosophers often critique optimism as potentially misguided, focusing instead on a rational approach.
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