Applied Psychology

Optimism is a way of viewing the world that is positive, hopeful, and open. There are many quotations on optimism that are inspirational and enlightening. Hope is a somewhat less-assertive and features less personal agency, if you will. For example, an optimistic person will be positively expectant about future events, the world in general, and the self; they basically see the “glass as half-full.” Hope is similar but somewhat more passive; for example, hope that one lives when battling a terminal illness, or hope that there is a God who looks down favorably upon oneself. These nuances are differentiated by the typical phrases we hear: “I’m optimistic I will finish the marathon because I have trained a lot and I feel good” vs. “I hope the plane that went down was not the one John was on!” In nonverbal terms, optimism is cracking one’s knuckles, and hope is putting one’s hands together to pray. This blog presents a bit of background and many interesting quotes about the subject.

Do You Know What Your Values Are? Are You Enthusiastic About Them? How Can You Improve Yourself and Your World?  These questions get at the concept of ‘living a life of value.’ In this blog, I will explore the place where applied philosophy meets applied psychology, personal growth, and ethics. The goal is to share my thoughts and feelings about this wonderful idea that is bound to make a difference in everyone’s life who spends a little time and thought on the phenomenon. This is vintage Values of the Wise!