--- title: Quiet Optimism description: "Discover quiet optimism: a steady belief in a better future, expressed through calm presence, thoughtful words and purposeful action." image: https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Jul%2018%2c%202026%2c%2006_28_11%20PM.png --- ###### [Check out Our latest insights on Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog) [![Centre for Optimism_Logo](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Centre%20for%20Optimism_Logo.svg)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://www.centreforoptimism.com) - [Subscribe](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/subscribe) - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - [The Optimism Principle](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/theoptimismprinciple) - [Need Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/services-and-workshops) - [The Optimism Workshop](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop) - [Victor Perton - That Optimism Man](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/victorperton) - [Magnetic Optimism for Organisations](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/magnetic-optimism-workshops) ![Close Icon (3)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Close%20Icon%20(3).svg) ![Search (2)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Search%20(2).svg) ###### [Optimism is a Superpower](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/optimism-is-a-superpower) # Quiet Optimism Quiet Optimism A Commentary by [Victor Perton](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/victorperton?hsLang=en) On Friday, I spent several inspiring hours with the passionate team at [Animal-Free Science Advocacy](https://animalfreescienceadvocacy.org.au/), presenting my [*workshop, Optimism: The How and Why*](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop?hsLang=en). Animal-Free Science Advocacy works towards a future where no animals are harmed in the name of science and scientific progress advances through animal-free research methods. Pursuing this mission requires persistence. Progress can be slow and, at times, difficult to see. Optimism helps people engaged in long-term advocacy sustain their energy, recognise each step forward and keep working towards change. As I often do, I invited the team to share their optimism through the [Optimism Superpowers exercise.](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/superpowers?hsLang=en) You can imagine my delight when I was offered two expressions of optimism I had not yet included in my collection of more than 200 optimism superpowers: **quiet optimism** and **insecure optimism**. I need to think more about the place of insecure optimism. For now, let me share some thoughts on quiet optimism. What is quiet optimism? **Quiet optimism is the steady belief that good things will happen and that things will work out in the end, expressed through calm presence, thoughtful words and purposeful action.** Optimism does not always announce itself. Sometimes it is exuberant, magnetic and infectious. Sometimes it is the quiet voice that says, “Let’s try again.” It is the person who returns the next morning, continues the work and helps others see that progress is possible. Quiet optimism lives in the researcher patiently repeating an experiment, the advocate who keeps making the case, the carer offering reassurance and the leader who listens carefully before speaking. A Century of Quiet Optimism “Quiet optimism” has been used for more than a century, although it has remained a descriptive expression rather than becoming a recognised psychological construct. In 1922, New Zealand’s *Manawatu Standard* used **“QUIET OPTIMISM”** as the headline for a report on prospects for the dairy industry. A 1930 market report in Napier’s *Daily Telegraph* said the outlook for British wool was “regarded with quiet optimism”. George Orwell gave the expression an ironic turn in *Nineteen Eighty-Four*, published in 1949. Winston Smith arranges his face into “the expression of quiet optimism” expected when facing the telescreen. This is the compulsory appearance of optimism under a totalitarian regime, not genuine optimism. By 1959, the expression was being used sincerely in reporting on medical progress. An American cancer researcher said advances in the search for new drugs warranted “quiet optimism”. In 1981, *High Fidelity* published an article titled “Bruce Cockburn’s Quiet Optimism”, extending the expression into music and culture. Across these different uses, quiet optimism commonly describes a hopeful outlook expressed with restraint, particularly when progress is real and uncertainty remains. Quiet optimism acts Quiet does not mean passive. It describes how optimism is expressed, not the strength of the belief or action behind it. Quiet optimists notice possibility. They keep working. They encourage others through their presence and example. They may never be the loudest people in the room, yet their steadiness can change the atmosphere. As I wrote in *Optimism: The How and Why*:  “Optimism often begins quietly. Then it gathers force.” Is quiet optimism your superpower? Begin by noticing the quiet optimists around you. Who keeps showing up, sees possibility and helps others believe that things can improve? **Whose quiet optimism has strengthened you?  For me, this week, it's been [Animal-Free Science Advocacy.](https://animalfreescienceadvocacy.org.au/)** As [Rachel Smith](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-smith-queensland/), the CEO of [Animal-Free Science Advocacy](https://animalfreescienceadvocacy.org.au/),[said to me, "](https://animalfreescienceadvocacy.org.au/)Quiet optimism captures the spirit of our work at Animal-Free Science Advocacy. Transforming science does not happen overnight, and much of the progress is driven by persistent work behind the scenes. Every new animal-free method, policy shift and researcher embracing human-relevant approaches moves us closer to a future where scientific progress no longer depends on harming animals. Quiet optimism does not mean an absence of passion;  it is accompanied by a deep passion for change and the determination to turn possibility into lasting progress." [My Optimism Superpowers exercise](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/superpowers?hsLang=en) may help you recognise the form your optimism already takes. Perhaps quiet optimism is one of your superpowers. If not, it may be one worth practising. Would you like to comment? [Written by Victor Perton](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/author/victor-perton) ##### Keep up to date with the latest from Centre for Optimism ##### We appreciate any contribution you can make to help us spread optimism with the world #### Here are some similar articles ###### [Optimism is a Superpower](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/optimism-is-a-superpower) #### [Operational Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/operational-optimism?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/operational-optimism?hsLang=en) ###### [Optimism is a Superpower](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/optimism-is-a-superpower) #### [The Adaptive Power of Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/adaptivepower?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/adaptivepower?hsLang=en) ###### [Hope](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/hope) , ###### [Resilience](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/resilience) , ###### [Optimism is a Superpower](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/tag/optimism-is-a-superpower) #### [Gino Blefari's Power of Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/ginoblefaris?hsLang=en) [Read Article](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/ginoblefaris?hsLang=en) ## Connect With Us ##### We love to connect with everyone who is ready to open up and share their optimisim. - [![Facebook 2](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Center%20of%20Optimism%20Assets/Facebook%202.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/optimistsvoices/) - [![instagram (6)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/instagram%20(6).svg)](https://www.instagram.com/centreforoptimism/?hl=en) - [![linked in 2](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/linked%20in%202.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/centreforoptimism/) - [![youtube (3)](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/youtube%20(3).svg)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFd4GnToz3WLasQSfsz_z8w) - [![twitter](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/Centre4Optimism) #### Keep up to date with the latest from The Centre for Optimism ##### Contact Us Call Us: [+61 417 217 241](tel:+61%20417%20217%20241) (Australia) PO Box 5081, Garden City, Victoria 3207, Australia ##### [The Centre for Optimism](https://www.centreforoptimism.com?hsLang=en) - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - Why be Optimistic? - Our Advisory board ##### Our Research - What makes People Optimistic? - Transformation and Change - [The Better Normal](https://thecentreforoptimism.wildapricot.org/The-Better-Normal) - Strategy and Optimism ##### Join Us - Become a Patron - Join the Optimism Movement - Volunteer ##### [Services](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop?hsLang=en) - [The Optimism Workshop](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop) - The Optimism Roundtable - Beacons Of Optimism Workshop - [The Habits of an Optimist](https://www.projectoptimism.com.au/courses/optimism-can-be-learnt-the-habits-of-an-optimist/) ##### The Centre for Optimism - [Why Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whyoptimism) - [What is Optimism?](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/whatisoptimism) - Why be Optimistic? - Our Advisory board ##### Our Research - What makes People Optimistic? - Transformation and Change - [The Better Normal](https://thecentreforoptimism.wildapricot.org/The-Better-Normal) - Strategy and Optimism ##### Join Us - Become a Patron - Join the Optimism Movement - Volunteer ##### Services - [The Optimism Workshop](https://www.centreforoptimism.com/workshop) - The Optimism Roundtable - Beacons Of Optimism Workshop - [The Habits of an Optimist](https://www.projectoptimism.com.au/courses/optimism-can-be-learnt-the-habits-of-an-optimist/) ©2026 The Centre for Optimism - Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Victor Perton", "url" : "https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/author/victor-perton" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-18T21:38:55.494Z", "datePublished" : "2026-07-18T08:30:33.000Z", "headline" : "Quiet Optimism", "image" : [ "https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Jul%2018%2c%202026%2c%2006_28_11%20PM.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.centreforoptimism.com/blog/quiet-optimism", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.centreforoptimism.com/hubfs/Centre%20for%20Optimism_Logo.svg" }, "name" : "The Centre for Optimism" } } ```