Are We Born Optimists?

By Mary Jaksch

Are we optimists by nature? Tali Sharot shares new research that suggests our brains are wired to look on the bright side — and how that can be both dangerous and beneficial.
Watch the video below (if you reading this by email, go here to watch it).

What do you think about optimism. Is Tali right, or not? Please share in the comments.

{ 6 comments }

1 Rose Byrd May 17, 2012 at 4:22 pm: As a Christian, I am told in Genesis that I am made in God’s image–so naturally my brain would be wired to “look on the bright side”, to seek Light in dark places, and to be optimistic about finding good things in this life. Of course, I am also told to be “wise as serpents, gentle as doves” and not to foolishly “go to sleep and let my lamp burn out of oil while waiting for the Bridegroom.” Balance is what is needed and what is taught here.
Rose Byrd´s last [type] ..TEDxMogadishu report: A rebirth of hope
2 Cleo May 17, 2012 at 4:22 pm: I absolutely love your blog and find many of your post’s to be what precisely I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content for you? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on most of the subjects you write related to here. Again, awesome site!
Cleo´s last [type] ..goal setting blog
3 Glori | Crazy Introvert May 18, 2012 at 4:16 am: Are we born optimists? I hope so.
I just had a great conversation with a friend, and this what she was telling me. I’ve been so caught up in all the negative BS in my life that looking at the bright side is the last thing on my mind.
Dwelling on the negative stuff is never good.
Glori | Crazy Introvert´s last [type] ..8 Easy Ways for Introverts to Recharge
4 Amit Amin May 18, 2012 at 7:46 am: Interesting talk – I just read a great book on the subject: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman.
5 Bojan May 30, 2012 at 9:00 am: Really nice video. I’ve watched TED videos before, but never stumbled on this on. Tnx.
Bojan´s last [type] ..Discover Yourself: 6 Things You Must Discover About Yourself
6 Blanche May 31, 2012 at 10:01 am: First of all I want to say terrific blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was interested to know how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing. I have had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out. I do enjoy writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are generally lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or tips? Thank you!
Blanche´s last [type] ..sleep hypnosis