Pragmatic Optimism

I came across this phrase somewhere on the internet the other day and it really stuck.

“Pragmatic optimism”

What does it mean?

Pragmatic people deal with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations.

Optimistic people are hopeful and confident about the future.

The two combine to outline an approach this is both hopeful and realistic.

I align with this point of view. I believe you should be confident in the future, even when others are not, so long as you feel strongly about it. But you should also tackle hard problems up front. You should not be too naive to think that there are no obstacles. You should think sensibly and identify real challenges ahead.

Pragmatic Optimist.

I think that will stick.

Originally published at gonen.blog.