Hidden Motives

A look at the hidden factors that really drive our social interactions

by Ken Eisold, Ph.D.

RECLAIMING SADNESS

By Ken Eisold, Ph.D. on November 21, 2009 in Hidden Motives

Or the Obligation to Be Up-Beat

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has announced that soon all New York City Metrocards will be stamped "OPTIMISM." Positive thinking, our unofficial national ideology, is becoming harder and harder to escape.

Happiness and cheerfulness are good things, to be sure, as are self-confidence and faith. Nor is optimism bad, by any means. But there are downsides.

Thank you!

Submitted by LB on November 21, 2009 - 11:03am.

I like the topic. I've commented before on one of these blogs that we infertile people are often told by fertile people that we will probably get pregnant if we 'relax' or 'just' adopt. It's very frustrating to hear. (I'm a bit ashamed to say I've been known to respond that the rape victims in Darfur wouldn't be getting pregnant if optimism were a requirement.)

I enjoyed your blog and hope to read more. I am happy now but people have to be allowed to be sad sometimes.

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great!!

Submitted by Lover of Sadness on November 25, 2009 - 4:58am.

i just want to say that i really like ur blog.. and thanks... :D

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Ken Eisold is a psychoanalyst and organizational consultant whose book about the unconscious, What You Don't Know You Know, came out in January.

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