For Peter Giesen, optimism is a way of thinking creatively. His arguments are grounded and refute widespread views that the world is in crisis - a relief in the contemporary political lethargy.

I am doing well, and we are doing worse. That is how most people view the state of their country. Personal optimism contrasts with a deep pessimism about society as a who. Peter Giesen argues that our optimism is starting to catch up with us. People have great expectations of their lives and feel responsible for their successes and failures. More and more people are caving in under this pressure.

While we should tone down individual optimism, we should multiply our social optimism. But our social pessimism is deeply rooted in ourselves. To get a grip on the big impersonal powers like ‘globalisation’, ‘Europe’ or ‘the market,’ we need new forms of optimism. Peter Giesen shows us how to realise this by enhancing the collective – or avoiding the cul-de-sac of whining in the public debate.

To get a grip on the big, impersonal powers like ‘globalization’, ‘Europe’ or ‘the market’ a new optimism is needed. Peter Giesen shows us how this can be realized through the enhancement of the collective. How to avoid the cul-de-sac of whining in the public debate.

'In his easily written essay, Peter Giesen makes a distinction between pessimists and optimists. In less than a hundred pages he is able turn everything upside down. A clear and pungent plea, even for those who would disagree with the author. His writing is accessible and thought provoking.' - Trouw