Optimism
An optimist is “out of touch with reality.” This is what some Realists suggests. But I would prefer that enlightened optimists aren’t out of touch, they are simply disengaged from realities that do not directly impact them. Once those painful realities touch the optimist, then the optimist finds his or her way through it.
Optimists by nature are disengaged from painful global realities. This is not the same as being unaware. Those of us who are “engaged” with global realities likely are subject to bouts of depression (or bipolar).
While on personality disorders, the schizoid personality is not simply in schism between his/her inner world and the outer world, but rather, he or she is aware of the schism which exists among us all and is in conflict as to how to resolve it. This conflict lends itself to disengagement. Thus one expression is what I would call the schizoid optimist. That schism between the way in which the person lives and what that person knows presses that person to become disengaged (not unaware) of realities irresolvable. Thus the person may live in anticipation of a positive future not available to those who feel compelled to empathize with realities outside of the inner person’s experience.
This leads finally to a comment on the role of charities and church mission agencies. These organizations usually assume that people are engaged with the world’s pain and thus will volunteer time and cash to address it. Thus the personality type attracted to such work should be identifiable. I will leave others to ponder that type.
