# Descriptive vs prescriptive optimism Descriptive optimism is being optimistic about trends Prescriptive optimism is being optimistic that with work, good outcomes are possible https://rootsofprogress.org/descriptive-vs-prescriptive-optimism ### Related - [[Definite optimism]] - [[Definite pessimism]] - [[Indefinite optimism]] - [[Indefinite pessimism]] <!-- #mental-model --> [Web URL for this note](http://notes.benjaminreinhardt.com/Descriptive+vs+prescriptive+optimism) [Comment on this note](http://via.hypothes.is/http://notes.benjaminreinhardt.com/Descriptive+vs+prescriptive+optimism) <!-- {BearID:B063CA35-74EE-412C-8D07-3E33F63B1A00} -->