A happy and rational spring to all!

At the beginning of each spring, we celebrate the rebirth of nature and Women’s International Day. This year, this holiday seems to occur under the aegis of war. War, however, cannot influence this celebration unless we allow it to. Let’s not allow for this to happen! Realistic optimism (rational hope) is the antidote to both pessimism and a hopeless realism, which often discourage; it is the antidote to naïve optimism and positive illusion, which often demotivate through naiveté. Realistic optimism (rational hope) helps us face dangers psychologically, through healthy, although negative emotions (concern, but not panic; discontentment, but not hate/aggression; sadness, but not depression); it also helps us be constructive and enjoy life and those around us, with positive emotions and adaptive behaviour. So, now that spring has come, let’s allow rational hope to be reborn in our minds for us to have a better year, showing joy and appreciation for the women around us and for their achievements!

BBU Rector

Prof. psych. Daniel David, Ph.D.