An Optimist Born

They're certainly not made.  Optimism resides in someone's characteristic make-up.  It is largely what makes people adapt themselves to an ideology based on the sunny side of life.  And that lookout on life mostly ensures fewer individuals are societally maladjusted.  Congenital pessimism has a corrosive effect on one's psyche; skepticism leaves room for doubt, but cynicism, allowed to fester, creates bitterness.

On the other hand, if one is capable of remaining optimistic while still harbouring a healthy dose of skepticism where it is due, one reaches toward moderation.  Often called the Golden Mean, it is what creates reasonableness.  And visiting Israeli President Shimon Peres, a man long involved in government in a most difficult, challenging part of the world, within an historically embattled state, has more than his share of sunny disposition.

He spoke, on a state visit to Canada, at an academic forum on education and innovation.  And extolled the merits of science.  Claiming that science will be the means by which the world will begin to govern itself.  It would be great if that would mean it could do so  a little more intelligently.  "The real force in our time is no longer politics, but science.  And science took away the strengths of politics." 

Science, as in technological advances.

Which enables people to communicate in an instant, to share thoughts and photographs and timely news through international time zones, at great distances across the world.  Sharing those impressions and concerns means greater co-operation between people, and a diminishing likelihood that people in their aggregate can continue to be controlled by governments - incapable of halting communication.

Technology also means advances in futuristic arms production.  Intelligence-sharing capabilities; computer-generated outreaches through the Internet, and sharing of scientific-medical-astronomical data and expertise.  But President Peres was concerned with the stability of countries, and the manner in which their governments lead them.

"The major thing is the world is becoming ungovernable."  People must be persuaded by their governments of the right course of action to be taken on their behalf and that of their country; they are no longer amenable to being controlled and ordered to accept what they may know - thanks to the greater availability of news - may not be beneficial for them.

"Is it impossible to change human nature?  Who told you so?" he asked, impishly. 

Human aggression will continue to cause strife between people, between nations; not a theory but a given, well proven over the ages.  "The minute we shall overcome ourselves ... you will have the combination of non-governmental management, based on goodwill, answering individual tastes and trying to improve human self-control."

Now that's optimistic.  With more than a hint of wishful thinking.  Self-control: "We need it because the alternative is very dangerous.  Otherwise, crazy people with nuclear bombs in their hands can really create catastrophe.  For that, we have to work together", he advised.

And that, quite simply, is Utopian.