In a generation when we have accepted our impending doom, it is very difficult to be an optimist. We are constantly bombarded by the media telling stories of the very worst of human nature. Consequently, many fall into a hopeless spiral of anxiety, which is naturally not without foundation.

This leads to an abundance of arguments regarding the true nature of humankind. It is often argued that humans are inherently bad. This could not be further from the truth. It is undeniable that humanity can be bad. However, where that capacity for evil exists, so does the capacity for good in equal measure. For every terrible act, there are hundreds of people working to right it.

This type of pessimism is born out of fear. It is a coping mechanism derived from the pain and empathy we are bound to feel as human beings. Going through the world expecting the worst in people is not truly living. It is not only cheating yourself, it is robbing the rest of the world from your contributions.

By working towards a better future, we are not are ignoring our inevitable demise. It just means that we have enough faith in the world to help the people who need it now. We do not live in the grand scheme of things, we live right now. Therefore, we have to make the most of it.