A Note from the Author
Introduction: Stories, News, and the Challenge of Optimism
Chapter 1: The Best Way to Live
Chapter 2: A Key to Health, Happiness, and Success
Chapter 3: How to Become an (Even Better) Optimist
Chapter 4: The World Is a Better Place Than You Think
Chapter 5: Welcome to the Age of Optimism
Checklist for Optimists
Life Orientation Test Scoring
Notes
Resources
Acknowledgments
Index
About the Author
About The Intelligent Optimist
Jurriaan Kamp is the co-founder (along with his wife) of Ode magazine. Before founding Ode, Kamp was an editor and correspondent in South Asia and chief economics editor at the Dutch daily newspaper NRC Handelsblad. He is the author of "Small Change: How Fifty Dollars Changes the World" and "Because People Matter."
“To read this work is to cease giving credence to the whiny
naysayers and instead to join the band of angels who carry a
passion for the possible, advance the solutions, and engage in the
creation of an emergent positive, practical, and successful
world.”
—Jean Houston, PhD, author of The Wizard of Us
“More and more research confirms that optimism is a critical
ingredient of longevity and a healthy lifestyle. Jurriaan Kamp’s
book shows how you can improve your health through optimism.”
—Andrew Weil, MD
“Every person in the world wants the same thing—to lead a happy,
healthy, and fulfilling life. Yet most of us feel that ultimate
goal is determined by external factors. In this fact-based, simple,
and pragmatic book, Jurriaan Kamp shifts all the power into our own
hands by illustrating that our view of the world around us is a
self-fulfilling prophecy.”
—Bert Jacobs, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Optimist of The Life
is good Company
“Optimism is both the precondition and the precursor for
individuals and organizations in making meaningful change, and
Jurriaan Kamp does a wonderful job of reminding us just how
powerful it can be.”
—Walter Robb, Co-CEO, Whole Foods Market
“This book is like a good companion: it cheers you up.”
—Ben Knapen, former State Secretary for Foreign Affairs, The
Netherlands
“An inspired and inspiring guide to living with optimism in a world
that is increasingly jaded and pessimistic—uplifting, rousing, and
challenging us to dream the world into being in a positive and
creative manner.”
—Alberto Villoldo, bestselling author of Shaman, Healer, Sage
“Optimism is a mindset, a lens through which to look at the world
around us. It takes this mindset to be able to adapt to the changes
that technology and climate change will bring our way. More
importantly, this mindset also will give us the resolve to not just
let change happen; we are the masters of our destiny and can shape
a better world for all.”
—Peter Bakker, President, World Business Council for Sustainable
Development
“Thoughtfulness and inspiration are two ingredients that are mixed
into a perspective that helps us look at the world as an optimist.
There are many ways to journey through life, but the goal surely
must be to live well. A good read and one you will want to
pass on!”
—Arkadi Kuhlmann, founder and CEO, ZenBanx
“The world is full of opportunities for anyone wishing to see them.
Media blur that vision and feed pessimism and depression. Optimism
is in short supply. That should change and this book points the
way.”
—John Mackey, founder and Co-CEO, Whole Foods Market
“There’s no problem in this world without a potential solution.
What’s too often lacking is the strategy to find these new
solutions. That strategy is optimism—the desire to find the
solution wherever it might be. It’s the vital force for innovation
in business and society. This is your handbook to create and
contribute your solutions. Read and implement it!”
—Rinaldo Brutoco, entrepreneur and Founding President, World
Business Academy
“This is a thought provoking, challenging and inspirational book.
Jurriaan Kamp’s unique way of looking at how we filter,
use, and approach news and information is well worth
considering. He is on a both a mission to help us all realign our
thinking. Do yourself a favor and take the time to read and absorb,
The Intelligent Optimist’s Guide to Life.”
—Robert J. Rosenthal, Executive Director, The Center for
Investigative Reporting
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