Humanists are realists.
We are firmly committed to reality. We may not always like what is real, but we accept it.
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And we think knowing what is real is so important to our success in life that we spend a lot of time challenging our own thinking to ensure we are as realistic as possible.
Which is why people are often surprised to find out that we are also, usually a bit cock-eyed in our optimism.
We don’t think realism and optimism are incompatible.
In fact, together they are quite a powerful combination.
Because when you root your optimism in what is possible, you make your dreams probable.
As long as you are willing to do a bit of work to make them a reality.
Realistic Optimism is a form of Humanism.