For Peter Giesen optimism is a way of thinking creatively. His arguments are grounded and refute the common view that the world is in a crisis. A relief in the contemporary political lethargy.

I am doing well, we are doing worse. This is how most people view the state of their country. Deep optimism about their personal lives is linked with deep pessimism about the society. Peter Giesen argues that our personal optimism is starting to catch up with us. People have great expectations of their lives and feel responsible for their successes and failures. More and more people are caving in under this pressure leading to an increase of psychological diseases.

While we should tone down our personal optimism we should multiply our social optimism. But our social pessimism is deeply rooted in ourselves.

To get a grip on the big, impersonal powers like ‘globalization’, ‘Europe’ or ‘the market’ a new optimism is needed. Peter Giesen shows us how this can be realized through the enhancement of the collective. How to avoid the cul-de-sac of whining in the public debate.

'In his easily written essay, Peter Giesen makes a distinction between pessimists and optimists. In less than a hundred pages he is able turn everything upside down. A clear and pungent plea, even for those who would disagree with the author. His writing is accessible and thought provoking.' - Trouw