Examining Foundations of Hope through the Lens of Optimism
Both hope and optimism are situated within a temporal framework and are deeply intertwined with emotional experiences; however, they are often viewed in contrast to realism. The relationship between these two constructs can be complex. For instance, Bennett (2011) posits that optimism represents a tendency to entertain positive expectations about the future, potentially serving as a “stronger version of hope.” Conversely, Terry Eagleton (2015) critiques optimism as a superficial trait that does not inherently require deep reflection. He argues that hope, in contrast, is cultivated through reasoned engagement with the future and provides a basis for meaningful social transformation.
I propose that hope and optimism, while distinct, belong to the same family of positive constructs regarding future outlooks (Mandich and Cuzzocrea forthcoming) . Hope emerges in personal experiences, triggered by specific events and emotions (Anderson, 2006), and is responsive to unique contexts (Cook & Cuervo, 2019). Optimism, however, is understood as a broader disposition shaped by cultural and socio-historical contexts, acting as a vital component of the “structure of feelings” conceptualized by Williams (1992) and further explored by Berlant (2008) and Coleman (2020).
While it is essential to analytically distinguish between hope and optimism, recognizing their interrelation in individual experiences is crucial for understanding how people orient themselves towards the future. This exploration contributes to a deeper comprehension of emotional dynamics and provides insights into the potential for social change rooted in hope.