Existential optimism: Сonditions, Advantages, Problems

Abstract

The article is devoted to the phenomenon of existential optimism. The authors interpret it as a mental attitude inherent in an individual and including a positive assessment of the world, the ability to enjoy and the will to live. Existential opti­mism does not merge with social optimism, it is associated with determining the individual trajectory of fate and is able to help a person to go through some difficult social circumstances, maintaining a positive attitude and realizing their goals. Its core is the feeling and choice of a personal life project, which exists not only in youth, but can be actualized in different ways at any age. The authors define the figure of an existential optimist using the concepts of “productivity” (E. Fromm) and “self-actualization” (A. Maslow), as well as the image of a “winner” (E. Bern). Life’s obstacles are seen by such a person not only as a normal characteristic of reality, but also as a field for the game of our forces, which brings him the joy of being. In the formation of such a world relation, ed­ucation and personal example of the elders play a great role. The authors also consider the theme of death and frustration that any person faces, and emphasize that death is not the focus of an existential optimist. The last theme discussed in the article is “positive thinking” practices. The conclusions emphasize that the position of an optimist can’t be imposed on anyone, but can only be indepen­dently accepted.