Positive Outcome for Humankind?

Would you say that you are generally optimistic or pessimistic about the outcome for humankind on this planet?  When asked this question, I commonly say that I’m neither, since taking either position implies that I know how this is going to turn out, and I simply don’t.

Actress, playwright and social commentator Anna Deavere Smith (pictured) takes a different and probably more interesting tack: while she is not optimist, she is hopeful.  According to Ms. Smith, optimism says: Based on the evidence I can see around me, this is going to turn out fine—let’s get to work.  Hope says:  Based on that same evidence, we’re headed for catastrophe—let’s get to work.

In any case, we clearly have some work in front of us.