From "Back to Realism," a talk given by Barbara Ehrenreich at the Commonwealth Club of California, October 24, 2009. Ehrenreich is the author, most recently, of Bright-sided: How the Relentless Promotion of Positive Thinking Has Undermined America. A transcript of her talk appeared in the April/May 2010 issue of The Commonwealth, the club's print magazine.
Moderator: What's the distinction between faith and optimism?
Barbara Ehrenreich: Hmm. Optimism is a cognitive state, where you have thought about the future, what could happen, and you come to the conclusion that things are going to turn out well. Through thinking. It's not any emotion.
Faith, I will have to say, I don't understand. I don't. I'm not a believer and I've nothing against those of you who are, but I don't get it.
Many contemporary people in the faith community (myself included) would dispute your distinction. Granted, there are those who exercise "blind faith" which is hard to understand. But for most of us faith is not devoid of intellectual activity. Faith is brought about by studying historical documents, language, shared experiences of past believers, and a good degree of rational exercise. I suggest you take a look at the "Jesus Movement" and the writings of Marcus Borg. That which emerges is not simply an intellectually-proven matter, but substance to be relied upon when experiencing faith.
Posted by: Jed Waverly | April 04, 2010 at 06:27 AM
@Jed: Thank you for your comment. The distinction you refer to is Barbara Ehrenreich's, not mine; I intentionally chose not to editorialize. Ehrenreich's observations were made in the context of a critique of "positive thinking," the subject of her most recent book. Speaking strictly for myself, I'd speculate that the study of historical evidence may often be intellectually satisfying and a justification for one's faith in a doctrine. But it is not the basis of faith--which by definition cannot be (and in many belief systems should not be) substantiated.
Posted by: Nancy Friedman | April 04, 2010 at 08:06 AM
Faith is also used in the sports world.
"We all have faith in ourselves," said Youkilis,who scored the go-ahead run on a passed ball in the seventh inning. He went on to say," It's good to get a win on opening night. It's good for the city. It's good for the fans. It's good for the players. It's good for everyone... But it's just one game." (Red Sox over Yankees game one, from AP) Lots of faith, but not overly optimistic?
Posted by: Nick | April 05, 2010 at 06:30 AM