06:00, 20 January 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Sumit Paul-Choudhury, former editor of the New Scientist, recently gave a talk at the Royal Society of Art (RSA) titled ‘How optimists change the world’. And at Smiley News we were intrigued!
Here are some key takeaways that we hope will inspire you to stay optimistic.
In his recent talk and new book The Bright Side, Sumit Paul-Choudhury explored the transformative power of optimism, emphasising its importance for both personal and collective resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.
Sumit defines optimism not as blind hope, but as an active choice to move forward without needing justification. He categorises optimism into three types: psychological (focused on personal well-being), philosophical (concerned with our broader worldview), and practical (driving action despite uncertainty). This multi-faceted approach to optimism highlights its relevance in various aspects of life.
One of the key insights of his talk is the gap between personal optimism and global optimism. While 80-90% of people are optimistic about their own futures, only 30-40% extend that optimism to the future of the world. Sumit suggests that bridging this divide is crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change and technological disruption.
Drawing on historical and philosophical examples, he shows how optimism has been a catalyst for social progress—whether in the fight against slavery or the civil rights movement. However, in today’s world, Sumit argues that optimism must be practical—focused on action, social innovation, and collective responsibility. He stresses that optimism alone isn’t enough; we need to take tangible steps toward solving the challenges we face.
Finally, Sumit addresses the role of the media in shaping global narratives. He points out that current media landscapes often fuel fear and division, which undermines collective optimism. Instead, he calls for new forms of deliberation and consensus-building to foster a more hopeful and cooperative global discourse.
In essence, Sumit’s message is clear: optimism is not passive; it’s an active force that demands action. By embracing both personal and collective optimism, we can begin to shape a more hopeful future.
If you are interested in finding out more about Sumit’s ideas and his new book, look no further than here.
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
The Young Foundation. This charity is focused on social innovation and works to address the root causes of social inequality. They focus on developing practical solutions to long-term societal challenges, such as poverty, housing, and employment, by fostering new ideas and supporting the creation of innovative social enterprises. Find out more.
The Climate Reality Project. This non-profit is dedicated to raising awareness and driving action on climate change through education, advocacy, and grassroots mobilisation. Learn more here.
Ashoka. This nordic-based organisation is a global network that supports social entrepreneurs who are working to create positive change. Its mission is to foster a culture of innovation and optimism by empowering individuals who are developing practical solutions to global problems. Support them here.
