I’ve always found it funny how easily people dismiss optimism as naive, but totally accept paranoia as “realistic.” As if assuming the world’s out to get you is somehow more rational than believing it might be on your side.
Pronoia makes sense to me not because I think the universe is rigged for me, but because believing it might be,even just a little,changes how I show up. I smile more. I talk to strangers. I try the thing instead of talking myself out of it. And yeah, more good things seem to happen.
I don’t think it’s magical thinking. It’s more like: when you stop expecting rejection, you notice opportunity. When you assume people might want to help, you actually ask.
So maybe the point isn’t whether pronoia is “true.” Maybe the point is it gets you to live like life is worth leaning into.
Thanks for sharing this! It helps to put a word to a concept that describes my philosophy vs. my partner's philosophy who has more of a pessimistic outlook about the motivation of people and trajectory of situations. Both, like you mentioned, are valid ways to simplify a complicated and often chaotic world. My partner, for simplicity's sake, could be considered "paranoid" and usually assumes the worst and thereby prepares for the worst. Pronoia, on the other hand, provides a framework to recognize and seize opportunities when they arise. A delusional positive mindset might not only help you succeed when things go well, but also could build resilience during challenging times.
I’ve always found it funny how easily people dismiss optimism as naive, but totally accept paranoia as “realistic.” As if assuming the world’s out to get you is somehow more rational than believing it might be on your side.
Pronoia makes sense to me not because I think the universe is rigged for me, but because believing it might be,even just a little,changes how I show up. I smile more. I talk to strangers. I try the thing instead of talking myself out of it. And yeah, more good things seem to happen.
I don’t think it’s magical thinking. It’s more like: when you stop expecting rejection, you notice opportunity. When you assume people might want to help, you actually ask.
So maybe the point isn’t whether pronoia is “true.” Maybe the point is it gets you to live like life is worth leaning into.
I'll be buying you gallons of coffee when I can afford it! Love the art & this newsletter
Thanks for sharing this! It helps to put a word to a concept that describes my philosophy vs. my partner's philosophy who has more of a pessimistic outlook about the motivation of people and trajectory of situations. Both, like you mentioned, are valid ways to simplify a complicated and often chaotic world. My partner, for simplicity's sake, could be considered "paranoid" and usually assumes the worst and thereby prepares for the worst. Pronoia, on the other hand, provides a framework to recognize and seize opportunities when they arise. A delusional positive mindset might not only help you succeed when things go well, but also could build resilience during challenging times.