This year started great for me. I have my goals for 2023 and I have amazing clarity for what and how I will do most things this year. More importantly, I’m focused on the process than the result. But that’s for another article.
This year things also started great for AI too, with ChatGPT rising. So I decided to ask ChatGPT some questions about optimism and reflect back on it.
Table of Contents
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is a Language Model developed by OpenAI and GPT stands for Generative Pre-training Transformer. Or, at least, that’s the formal definition.
But you can imagine ChatGPT as a virtual assistant that is not human and can talk to you. It’s some sort of magic chat that can answer your questions or make up words, texts, and stories.
You can ask ChatGPT to do anything for you when it comes to text and written content. You can ask for poetry, stories, social media posts, HTML coding, business ideas, and anything you can think of.
While there are some downsides and ChatGPT may not always say the right thing, I believe it’s a great tool for many things.
Therefore, I decided to test it out and see what ChatGPT has to say when it comes to optimism.
If you haven’t heard at all about ChatGPT until now, I’ll leave some useful resources at the end of the article.
1st prompt: Write a simple poem about optimism and optimists, that will make the world see pessimists as aliens.
- ChatGPT answer:
Optimists see the world with hope and grace,
Their hearts open wide, with a smiling face.
Their glass is always half full, never empty,
Pessimists are like aliens, so very strange and plenty.
They see the world with a different view,
A world of dark clouds, nothing bright and new.
While optimists see the rainbow after rain,
Pessimists just complain and complain.
Optimists spread joy and light,
Like stars shining so very bright.
Pessimists bring only gloom,
Like a dark, moonless night.
So let us all strive to be optimists,
And banish the pessimists, to be aliens.
For a world filled with hope and love,
Is a world that is truly worth living.
- Further reflection:
Why did I start with poetry?
I tried it a few times before to write poetry with the help of ChatGPT and it always amazes me. I used to write poetry and it takes me between 15 minutes to 1 hours to write something that I’m happy with.
ChatGPT did it in 10 seconds and it’s really funny.
2nd prompt: What does it mean to be an optimist?
- ChatGPT answer:
Being an optimist means having a positive outlook and perspective on life. Optimists tend to believe that things will work out well, and that there are opportunities for success and happiness in every situation. They tend to focus on the good in people and situations, and tend to have a more hopeful, optimistic view of the future. They tend to also be resilient, bouncing back from setbacks and challenges, and they tend to have better mental and physical health. They tend to approach problems with a can-do attitude, looking for solutions and ways to make things better, rather than dwelling on the problem or negative aspects of the situation.
- Further reflection:
I resonate with this definition of optimists and like that it doesn’t say that optimistic people don’t see the negative. We see it but decide to focus on what’s positive.
Also, while ChatGPT mentions that optimists are resilient and approach problems with a can-do attitude (which makes me think optimists are action-oriented), I would have made a stronger statement about the importance of putting things into practice.
3rd prompt: How has optimism contributed to the world as it is right now?
- ChatGPT answer:
Optimism has played a significant role in shaping the world as it is today. It has contributed to the progress and development of human civilization in many ways. Some of the ways that optimism has contributed to the world include:
- Innovation and Progress: Optimists tend to be more open to new ideas and are more likely to take risks and try new things. This can lead to the development of new technologies, products, and services that improve the quality of life for people all over the world.
- Resilience and Adaptation: Optimists tend to be more resilient and better able to adapt to change. This can help people and communities to bounce back from setbacks, such as natural disasters, economic downturns, and other crises.
- Positive Impact on Health: Studies have shown that optimism is associated with better physical and mental health. Optimists tend to have lower levels of stress and a more positive outlook on life, which can lead to better overall health and well-being.
- Better Relationship: Optimism is also associated with better relationships. Optimists tend to be more open to new experiences, more trusting of others and tend to have a more positive view of human nature.
- Positive Impact on Society: Optimism can also have a positive impact on society as a whole. When more people in a community have a positive outlook, it can lead to a more engaged, supportive, and productive society.
Overall, optimism has played an important role in shaping the world as it is today, helping people and communities to be more resilient, adaptable, and successful in the face of challenges and change.
- Further reflection:
When I’m reading all these positive statements about optimism, it makes me want to find out more about the innovations made by people from history who are considered optimists and about the studies that show how optimists have better physical and mental health.
For sure, I can ask ChatGPT these things, but I’m not going to do it right now. I’ll just keep asking questions specifically about optimists.
4th prompt: What did it mean to be an optimist in the 1900 and how is that compared to now?
- ChatGPT answer:
In the 1900s, being an optimist was often associated with a belief in progress and the potential for human achievement. People at the time generally had a positive outlook on the future, with many believing that the world was becoming a better place. They believed that science and technology would lead to a better quality of life for everyone, and that humanity was moving towards a brighter future.
During that time, the term “optimism” was often associated with a belief in the power of reason and science, and the ability of humans to improve their lives through hard work and determination. People were more likely to believe that the future would be shaped by human ingenuity, rather than by fate or divine intervention.
Compared to now, the meaning of being an optimist has not changed much, but the context has. Today, the term “optimism” still implies a positive outlook on the future, but the focus has shifted somewhat. Nowadays, optimism is associated with a more holistic view of life, and people tend to focus on the potential for personal and emotional growth, rather than just technological and economic progress. People also tend to focus on the potential for individual and collective action to shape the future, rather than just relying on reason and science.
Also, people are more aware of the environmental, social and economic issues that affect the world and the importance of taking action to address them. The concept of sustainable development, social justice and the well-being of all living beings is more integrated in the modern understanding of optimism.
- Further reflection:
Well, I just learned something new and interesting. It seems that the idea of optimism hasn’t changed that much, but now it seems to be influenced by many more factors compared to 1900. In today’s world, the term “optimism” has more dynamics to it than it had before.
5th prompt: What is something most people think about optimists but isn’t really true?
- ChatGPT answer:
One thing that many people may think about optimists is that they are naive or unrealistic. Some people may believe that optimists are not in touch with reality, and that they don’t fully understand the challenges and difficulties of the world. This is not really true. Optimists are not necessarily unaware of the problems and difficulties in the world, but they tend to believe that they can be solved or overcome through positive thinking and action. They tend to focus on the potential for positive change, rather than dwelling on the negative aspects of a situation. They are realistic about the challenges that exist, but they are also hopeful that they can be overcome.
Another thing some people might think is that optimists are always happy and never experience negative emotions. This is not true either, Optimists experience the same range of emotions as anyone else, but they tend to have a more positive perspective and they tend to bounce back more quickly from negative emotions. They tend to have more balanced and nuanced view of the world and their own emotions, rather than being constantly upbeat or cheerful.
- Further reflection:
These are two of the common myths when it comes to how people see optimists. In most cases, optimists are confused with dreamers because of the commonalities between the two, but optimists don’t only dream. They connect their dreams to the reality around them and overcome meaningful obstacles so they can eventually make these dreams part of the reality around them.
6th prompt: What makes optimists so unpopular nowadays?
- ChatGPT answer:
There are a few reasons why optimists may be perceived as unpopular in some circles.
- Pessimism is often considered more “realistic”: In today’s world, many people believe that it is more realistic and pragmatic to focus on the negative aspects of life. They believe that being pessimistic helps them to prepare for the worst, and that it is more practical to anticipate problems and challenges, rather than simply hoping for the best.
- Optimism can be seen as naive or unrealistic: Some people may view optimists as naive or unrealistic, because they believe that the optimist is not fully aware of the challenges and difficulties of the world.
- The focus on negativity in the media: Negative news and events are often given more attention than positive ones in the media, which can make people feel like the world is a worse place than it really is. This can make it difficult for optimists to be heard and understood, because their positive perspective is often drowned out by the constant negativity.
- Lack of understanding of the importance of positive thinking: Some people may not understand the importance of positive thinking and the role it plays in mental and physical health. Optimists may be viewed as “ignoring” or “minimizing” negative events and this can be seen as unimportant or superficial.
It’s important to note that the popularity of an individual or a perspective is not a measure of its validity or usefulness. Some people might find comfort and hope in an optimistic perspective and some others in a pessimistic one. And both are valid perspectives and can be used in different situations.
- Further reflection:
I totally agree and it feels like nowadays it’s way easier to be a pessimist because of all the points mentioned above. Starting from the need to be connected to a reality, which is more inclined towards pessimism, and all the way to the negative media and the consumption of it.
7th prompt: What is one thing that would need to change globally so the world will have more optimists than pessimists?
- ChatGPT answer:
One thing that could change globally to shift the balance between optimists and pessimists would be to prioritize and focus on solutions and actions to solve the problems facing the world. This can be done by:
- Focusing on solutions rather than problems: By highlighting and prioritizing solutions to the issues facing the world, people would be exposed to more examples of positive change and progress, which could help to shift their perspective towards a more optimistic one.
- Encouraging active participation in addressing global issues: By providing opportunities for individuals, communities, and organizations to take action and make a positive difference, it can empower people to feel that they can make a difference and that their actions can have a real impact on the world.
- Encouraging collaboration and cooperation: By fostering a culture of collaboration and cooperation, where people work together across borders and sectors, it can lead to more coordinated and effective efforts to solve global problems.
- Promoting education and awareness: By promoting education and awareness of global issues, people will be able to understand the complex problems the world is facing and this can lead to a better understanding of the possible solutions and a more positive attitude towards them.
All of these actions can help to create a more positive and hopeful global environment, where people feel empowered to make a difference and see opportunities for positive change.
- Further reflection:
These points make so much sense and it feels overwhelming to read them. It sounds like there’s a long journey ahead of us, with many responsibilities. More than that, it makes me wonder if my contribution to making the world a better place is enough.
8th prompt: How can today’s leaders benefit from having an optimistic approach at work?
- ChatGPT answer:
Leaders who have an optimistic approach at work can benefit in several ways:
- Improved Decision-Making: Optimistic leaders tend to have a more positive and hopeful outlook, which can help them to see opportunities rather than obstacles. This can lead to better decision-making, as they are more likely to take calculated risks and explore new possibilities.
- Increased Innovation: Optimistic leaders tend to be more open to new ideas and more willing to take risks. This can lead to more innovation and experimentation, as they are more likely to try new things and explore new possibilities.
- Better Team Morale: Optimistic leaders tend to have a more positive and upbeat attitude, which can be contagious. This can help to create a more positive and productive work environment, where team members feel motivated and engaged.
- Greater Resilience: Optimistic leaders tend to be more resilient, and better able to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. This can help them to be more effective in dealing with difficult situations and to be more adaptable to change.
- Greater Employee Satisfaction: Optimistic leaders tend to be more positive and supportive, which can help to create a more positive and supportive work environment. This can lead to greater employee satisfaction and commitment.
It’s important to note that being optimistic doesn’t mean ignoring or dismissing the challenges and difficulties, it means approaching them with a positive perspective and looking for opportunities to overcome them.
- Further reflection:
Totally agree. The world we live in would be a better place if we would have more optimists as leaders.
9th prompt: How is optimism related to living in the present moment?
- ChatGPT answer:
Optimism and living in the present moment are related in several ways:
- Mindfulness: Optimists tend to be more mindful, which means they are more aware of and focused on the present moment. They tend to be less caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past, which allows them to be more present and engaged in the present moment.
- Gratitude: Optimists tend to be more grateful and appreciative of what they have, which can help them to be more present in the moment and less focused on what they lack.
- Positive Emotions: Optimists tend to experience more positive emotions, such as joy, happiness, and contentment, which can help them to be more present in the moment. When people are feeling positive emotions they tend to be more focused on the present and less on regrets of the past or worries of the future.
- Reduced stress: Optimists tend to experience less stress and anxiety, which can help them to be more present in the moment. When people are less stressed, they tend to be more focused on the present and less on regrets of the past or worries of the future.
- Better relationships: Optimists tend to have better relationships, which can help them to be more present in the moment. When people are more connected to others, they tend to be more focused on the present and less on regrets of the past or worries of the future.
Overall, optimism is related to living in the present moment, as it can help people to be more mindful, grateful, and focused on the present, which can lead to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life.
- Further reflection:
From ChatGPT’s answer, it sounds like being an optimist is key to living in the present moment. I wouldn’t say that. But, for sure, it’s an important part of living in the present moment. Another part, maybe as important, would be understanding your ego and how your ego wants to control your life through conflict and drama.
10th prompt: How will the definition of optimism change one thousand years from now?
- ChatGPT answer:
It is impossible to know for certain how the definition of optimism will change one thousand years from now, as it will depend on the context and the state of the world in that time. However, it’s likely that the definition of optimism will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing times.
It’s possible that future societies will have a different perspective on what constitutes progress and what is worth striving for. In that case, the definition of optimism may shift to align with these new values and priorities. For example, if the future society is more focused on sustainability and the well-being of the planet, the definition of optimism could shift to include a more holistic view of progress and a more positive outlook on the ability of humans to address environmental challenges.
Also, with the advancements in technology, artificial intelligence and neuroscience, the understanding of how the mind works, the way it processes emotions and the way people cope with difficult situations could change. The definition of optimism could be redefined to include a more scientific understanding of the mind and the role of positive emotions and thoughts.
In summary, while the core concept of optimism – a positive outlook on the future – is likely to remain, the specific definition may change to reflect the values and priorities of the society in that time.
- Further reflection:
I was thinking about neuroscience as well. I see the advancements in neuroscience and the discoveries about the brain as an important part of how we will define optimism in the future.
Some resources related to ChatGPT
As promised, I’ll leave you some links to help you understand more about what ChatGPT is all about.
- The Wikipedia Page about ChatGPT – it’s a great start in case you have no idea what ChatGPT is
- A list of 100 use cases that showcases the power of ChatGPT
- A combination of ChatGPT and Midjourney to create the visual identity for a brand
- 50 more prompts to understand ChatGPT even further
To use ChatGPT, you have to create an account on OpenAi.com and then use the credentials to log in to Chat.OpenAi.Com.
With love and optimism,
David and (hopefully, his AI friend) ChatGPT