Alright, settle in, you magnificent bastards of cynical hope and pragmatic idealism. We’re about to embark on a journey. Not a trek through the perilous jungles of online dating, nor a deep dive into the inexplicable appeal of reality television, but something arguably more challenging: an exploration of a document so relentlessly positive, so brimming with the audacious belief in human potential, it almost makes you want to squint. Yes, I’m talking about The Optimist’s Creed.
For those unfamiliar with this particular literary monument to human aspiration, and perhaps those who just appreciate a good dose of earnestness with a side of wry commentary, here it is, in all its glory:
The Optimist’s Creed
Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Now, I know what some of you are thinking. “Optimists International? Isn’t that where they force-feed you rainbows and make you sing Kum-Ba-Yah?” Well, yes, and no. Mostly no. Optimists International, for the uninitiated, is a global volunteer organization dedicated to “Bringing Out the Best in Kids.” Founded in 1919 by a rather visionary group in Indiana – presumably after deciding that complaining about things wasn’t quite cutting it – they set about creating a framework for positive action. It’s a remarkable testament to the idea that collective goodwill can actually move mountains, or at least, build a rather decent park for local youth. My own humble contributions include serving as a board member for the Southwest Milwaukee Optimist Club, where, I assure you, my sarcasm is deployed judiciously, and always in service of the greater good (or at least, a good laugh).
Because while a healthy dose of skepticism is a valuable tool, a relentless commitment to seeing the good, striving for the best, and celebrating the successes of others? Well, that might just be the most subversive act of all.
The Creed itself, penned by Christian D. Larson in 1912, predates the organization but was adopted by them for its profound embodiment of their ideals. It’s not just a collection of nice thoughts; it’s a blueprint for a life lived with intentionality, resilience, and a rather defiant sense of hope. It’s easy, and frankly, quite tempting, to read these lines and immediately find their perceived flaws, their impossibilities, their sheer, unadulterated earnestness in a world that so often rewards cynicism. But that, my friends, would be the easy way out. And we, if you’re still reading this, are clearly not about easy.
Over the coming posts, we’re going to take this seemingly saccharine text and truly unpack it, one tenant at a time. We’ll delve into the unexpected depth, the pragmatic wisdom, and yes, even the deliciously ironic challenges embedded within each line. We’ll explore how these principles, when wrestled with and perhaps even begrudgingly embraced, aren’t just feel-good platitudes, but living forces that can genuinely guide us towards a more meaningful existence. Because while a healthy dose of skepticism is a valuable tool, a relentless commitment to seeing the good, striving for the best, and celebrating the successes of others? Well, that might just be the most subversive act of all.
So, join me, won’t you? Let’s dissect this thing, find its humor, its profundity, and perhaps, even a little bit of its uncomfortable truth. After all, what could possibly go wrong when a card-carrying member of the Optimist Club starts poking holes in its sacred texts? Precisely. Stay tuned.
Justin Lockridge 
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