I personally think optimism can be a bit dangerous. If you think that everything's going to go to hell and you prepare for it, you'll be better fitted than those who laid down to eat grapes and enjoy thinking everything would be alright. There are plenty of fables in this regard. Asteroids are a case of study: We can't relax and say: "we won't get hit by an asteroid and if we do it won't be that bad" or "we can delay worrying about this" because the worst case scenario costs everything. :/,(reply>), If the optimism in question refers to <b>"hoping the things we embark on will turn out as we expect"</b> then, to various degrees, we are all optimists. Don't you think? If we know, for example, that rain will eventually stop, and we rest on that knowledge, then we are being realists (as opposed to one who thinks it will rain forever). If we extrapolate different outcomes of creating an AGI, and most of them are good and one of them leads to the destruction of the universe, are we being pessimists for focusing on that outcome more than on the outcomes that are beneficial or inconsequential? :/,(reply>), Optimism is knowing for a tomorrow well bargained for. A gift,(reply>), if you dont know... everyone gonna die sooner or later... it doesnt mean you cant enjoy the time you have left,(reply>), Aim for the best expect the worst