“I believe optimism is a choice. Cynicism isn't smarter, it's just safer.”

— Jewel

Interview https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/jewel-19981224 with Neil Strauss in Rolling Stone (24 December 1998)
Context: I kept getting typified as this Pollyanna neohippie. I think it's because I have a different definition of optimism. I've noticed a belief that somehow optimism lacks intelligence and that optimism stems from a lack of experience and naiveté. I don't believe that. I believe optimism is a choice. Cynicism isn't smarter, it's just safer.

Adopted from Wikiquote. Last update June 3, 2021. History

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Jewel 5

American singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, actress, a… 1974

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“I believe optimism is a choice. Cynicism isn't smarter, it's just safer.”

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