Thanks, Judy. Your point is well taken. On the other hand, that was German philosopher, Ernst Bloch’s terminology. I had never heard it before and it caught my attention. so maybe that’s what is good about it, grabs attention, and calls to action. Keyword: Action. Not simply wallowing in worry nor complacency when there is work to be done. I suppose we could call it “Action Optimism.” Better describes but maybe not as activating as the Militant word. What do you think might be a better word?

Thank you, Steven! Yes, that was pretty interesting that the worriers did better in health and longevity, although there is worrying and there is worrying, I suppose. To your other point about the worst of times, I’m reading American Prometheus (Oppenheimer), and trying to put myself in the shoes of people living in the times of depression, war, “the bomb,” or when during my own childhood, we had to hide under the desk, not sure any of that was any less anxiety provoking than what we are all living through now. In any case, Bruce Keiler’s book on transitions, specifies ABC (Agency, Belonging, Cause) as ingredients of good living, No reason why we can’t all live by that in ways however small, no matter what.