Definite Optimism...

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Here is an idea from Peter Thiel in his book, "Zero to One"

He describes a world where our individual worldviews separate into four broad categories. We are either optimists or pessimists and we believe that we can control outcomes or outcomes are due to chance.

Definite Optimist: Good things happen and I can make them happen.Indefinite Optimism: Expects good things to happen, but because they aren't in control they work to keep their options open.
Defnite Pessmist: Bad things will happen but I can control the downside by preparing for the bad thing.
Indefinite Pessimism: Expects bad things to happen, but because they can't control outcome they make no plans.

Thiel's book is about what it takes to start a company, to build something. He argues that those who create are definite optimists. Creators see a vision, then work to create it. Belief in the ability of the individual to control outcomes is the foundational zeitgeist that entrepreneurs, builders, scientists, doctors, and teachers need to turn idea into action.

I can create a better world. -Definite Optimist

This turns the old joke, "better lucky than good" on its head. I have always thought that being good was more important. You can't pin your hope on good luck. You can have faith in yourself earned through hard work and a history of success.

A question I have is about optimism. I wonder if optimism isn't hard-wired by the time we come of age, either by nature or nurture. Can a pessimist learn optimism? Can we unlearn optimism or have it beaten out of us? 

The question is important. If we fight our natural tendencies we may find ourselves in positions we can't reconcile with our beliefs. 

Here is how I think it plays out. If we ask each of the four to build a bridge across a river here is how it plays out.

The indefinite pessimist wil build nothing. Why would they? It is likely to fall down anyway.

The definite pessimist will build a structurally sound bridge that can carry the required traffic of the day. It will not fall down. It will be wide and strong enough to avold disaster (at least any of the known disasters). 

The indefinite optimist will build a bridge with iterative improvements or capacity to make changes in the future in case of increased traffic demand or changing environmental needs.  

The definite optimist will propose a new design, structurally sound but also beautiful. It will solve the problem in a creative way the others couldn't dream of. The bridge itself may be as beautiful as the river it spans.

All of these worldviews have their merit, even the indefinite pessimist plays a role in the needs of society (although it seems like a potentially depressing way to wake up each day.)

But be a definite optimist if you can, Thiel argues, at least if you want to create something new, start a business, invent, leave a dent in the universe or stand out in the world.

-TB Nov 2026