Optimistically pessimistic
A recent study (1) demonstrates that depression and proclivity to stress are linked to a specific gene. However, it appears that people can train themselves to escape the predetermined effects. In either case, it is instructive to note that optimism has a biological basis.
From an evolutionary perspective, optimism should have had survival benefits. 50,000 years ago, life was tough – dangerous animals in every dark corner, unfriendly clans elsewhere and internal fights for power and status. For humans, this was a treacherous life and many would have counted their 30 or so years of life span to oblivion, in pain. Optimism, rational or not, would have kept them going. With that, some were more likely to survive and pass on the genes. If this is true, then we should find a higher percentage of the population to be optimistic. Additionally, even if one is carrying the pessimistic gene, it is possible to mask it with behavior modifications.
It has been shown (2) that humans are generally irrationally optimistic and this is consistent with the selection hypothesis. However, it is unclear if those who made significant contributions to society in science and religion, can be considered inherently optimistic. Many great inventors appear to be introverts and socially less competent – indications that they were not driven by optimism. A large number of contemporary scientists are atheists, a trait not generally aligned with optimism.
This is a rich avenue for further study. Is pessimism a necessary condition for discovery as those carrying the unfortunate gene look for avenues of escape? Is optimism sufficient to design better societies?
(1) Psychologists Discover Oxytocin Receptor Gene's Link to Optimism, Self-Esteem. S. Saphire-Bernstein, B. M. Way, H. S. Kim, D. K. Sherman, S. E. Taylor. Oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is related to psychological resources. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 2011; 108 (37)
(2) http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-10/biased-brains-help-humans-always-look-bright-side-life
