There is a balance, he said, between needing unwavering faith that things will get better while accepting the reality of brutal facts, whatever they may be. Things will eventually get better. But we’re not going home by Christmas. That’s the balance—planning like a pessimist and dreaming like an optimist. That mix is counterintuitive, but it’s so powerful when done right. Remaining optimistic while accepting the reality of despair is fascinating to witness.
