Optimists on the Case for Optimism

Professor Jee Hyun Kim, Deakin University

"Optimism is the evidence for the dreams yet to be realised.”

Professor Erwin Loh, Group Chief Medical Officer, St Vincent's Health Australia

 “Be an optimist, and be relentless in pursuing the beacon of hope, so that you are always moving towards the light that will guide you, shine on you, and keep the shadows of darkness and despair behind you. You will also make it easier for others to find you, follow you, and be inspired by you. And by moving together in the same positive direction of hope, instead of fear, you can change the world.”

Lydia Dishman, Journalist

“Optimism is our best chance to be alive instead of just live.”

James Marape, Prime Minister, Papua New Guinea

“You have to be optimistic in life to achieve success. You can’t be successful without optimism.”

Anna-Marie Southern, World Commerce and Contracting

"Optimism is a gift; one which we are able to give to ourselves. I think it is the root of aspiration, and therefore movement and growth.”

Deborah Biber, Chief Executive of AustCham ASEAN

 “Optimism enables growth and forward movement. Without it, we wither. With it, we create purpose and value.”

Joanne Butterworth-Gray GAICD, Chairperson, Southern Rural Water

"Optimism is the exquisite taste of the first white peach of the season; it is the trust with which your grandson takes your hand; the acceptance of your destiny and your place in a world that is much bigger than you; and mostly, optimism is living and being the person you are meant to be."

Brendan Moore, Manager Recycled Water at Yarra Valley Water and Co-Founder of Pride in Water.

"For me, optimism is synonymous with hope and excitement. Optimism is the excitement for what tomorrow will bring, it’s the happiness we get from the relationships we build and it is the light that guides us through our darkest times.”

Michael Thomas Sunnarborg, Transformation Coach and Relentless Optimist

“Optimism is a lifestyle and a daily choice. Choose wisely.”

Attila Burjan, Australian Productivity Council

"Optimism is a choice of will and hope, rather than a reaction to the world".

Catherine Tanna, Managing Director, EnergyAustralia

“Without optimism, what are we? With optimism, we can be anything.”

Bruce Springsteen, Singer

"I think what you need at this moment is a kind of fighting optimism."

Armando Gonzalo Alvarez Reina, Ambassador of Mexico to Indonesia

“Optimism is precisely what we need more in these times.”

Maisha Tarannum Iqbal in "The power of positive thinking: How optimism can transform your life."

"Developing optimism is a journey that lasts a lifetime and requires conscious effort and reflection, but the rewards are worth the hardship. We can unlock our true potential and pave the way for a brighter and more fulfilling future if we embrace the power of positive thinking. Allow optimism to be your directing light, and watch as your life changes right in front of you."

Zhane Yamin in "The indomitable human spirit: From optimism to activism"

"Belief is embodied and emboldened by optimism. I’m not an optimist because I choose to be, but because that’s what the world requires. Optimism is the kindling for the fire of change, and the means to overcoming struggle. "

Read more of these inspiring quotable quotes in "Optimism: The How and Why" by Victor Perton, CEO of The Centre for Optimism.