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"Revolutionary Optimism is itself an infectious, contagious, self-created way of living and connecting with others on the path of love. Once you commit yourself as a Revolutionary Optimist, you can bravely unleash your personal power, unify with others, and accelerate action for our collective repair, justice, and peace, always keeping love at the center." 💕
That's what Dr Paul Zeitz told me when I asked him, "What is "Revolutionary Optimism"? I have always enjoyed Paul's writing on optimism and saw him moving to embrace this type of optimism 😊
Paul is a physician, humanitarian and social justice advocate and believes in responding to the challenging times we live through, “Revolutionary Optimism” is a "new cure for hopelessness, despair, and cynicism."
What do you reckon? What's your optimism? Are you a revolutionary optimist?
I am a radical optimist.
Revolutionary Optimism
Revolutionary optimism emerges as a guiding light within our Superpowers of Optimism, illuminating pathways to change.
Revolutionary optimism has guided left-wing activist endeavours and societal shifts from Marxist theory's roots. Found at its core is an unwavering belief in the potential for a fairer world, achievable through collective efforts against capitalism.
Noteworthy Marxist thinkers such as Antonio Gramsci and Leon Trotsky emphasised the significance of revolutionary optimism. Gramsci's phrase, "pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will," urges recognising present complexities while fostering a tenacious dedication to a brighter future.
Trotsky viewed revolutionary optimism as the vibrant brush that colours the canvas of socialist movements. He argued that faith in transformation empowers activists and organisers, nurturing the commitment needed for lasting change.
Amidst contemporary discourse, voices like Danny Haiphong and Yanis Iqbal champion revolutionary optimism as a catalyst to confront today's crises. Haiphong highlights its role in overcoming challenges, while Iqbal tells stories of confronting neoliberalism.
Additional perspectives enrich the dialogue. Frantz Fanon's exploration of psychological liberation adds nuance. Che Guevara's quote, "The true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love," symbolises idealism intertwined with optimism.
Angela Davis advocates for justice, envisioning a fairer world. Amilcar Cabral emphasises hope amidst the liberation struggle.
In summation, revolutionary optimism remains woven into the fabric of thought, emphasising an understanding of reality and a passionate gaze towards transformative potential. As time unfolds, revolutionary optimism continues to light the path for some, guided by voices from history to the present, urging them towards a better-unrevealed world.
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