Brain Imaging Shows We're Hardwired for Optimism
Optimism has helped the species to be innovative and successful, but risk-taking can be dangerous.
Humanity is a pretty optimistic species. In terms of our evolution, we’ve had to be. Humans leapt into tiny canoes and migrated across vast oceans, optimistic that they would find new land at the end of their journey. We’ve built enormous cities, flown experimental aircraft, and put people on the moon, all with incredible (some might even say unrealistic) optimism about the outcomes. Despite what may be portrayed in the media, or what may be commonly socially accepted, as a species, we’re a pretty optimistic group of organisms. However, recent studies by neuroscientists have revealed that we may actually be hardwired for maintaining a positive outlook.
