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Kathryn Hoban

Legislative Aide - Michigan Senate, National Society of Collegiate Scholars

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Optimism and Pessimism: The Impact of Outlook on Outcome

Do you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist?
What do you think are the drawbacks and benefits of each?
To what extent do you think your outlook impacts your actions?
Tali Sharot talks about the blame that optimists and pessimists place on either themselves or other factors. To what extent do you blame internal or external factors regarding your success or failure?

Related Talks:
Topics: Behavioral psychology Cognitive philosophy Optimism Pessimism cognitive psychology philosophy
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    Scott Armstrong 50+

    • +1
    May 16 2012: I'm a realist which is pretty much a pessimist.

    The upside of optimism = ignorance is bliss. The downside of optimism = ignorance is no defence.

    The upside of pessimism = you won't be disappointed (too often). The downside of pessimism = early heart attack.

    If I can, I'll blame external factors. If I'm honest, I blame myself.
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      Kathryn Hoban

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      May 17 2012: Well, you definitely have a realistic perspective on the upsides and downsides of each. =] Thanks Scott!

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