Some find that very optimistic people have benign illusions about themselves. These people may think they have more control, or more skill, than they actually do. Others have found that optimistic people have a good handle on reality. The jury is still out.

The pleasant life: a life that successfully pursues the positive emotions about the present, past, and future.

Reaching beyond where you are is really important.

There are physical characteristics which are inherited. These include things like good looks, high intelligence, physical coordination. These attributes contribute to success in life, and success in life is a determinant of optimism.

Optimism generates hope...hope releases dreams...dreams set goals...enthusiasm follows

Curing the negatives does not produce the positives.

The aim of Positive Psychology is to catalyze a change in psychology from a preoccupation only with repairing the worst things in life to also building the best qualities in life.