We often try to maintain a positive attitude when facing difficult situations in life. However, not all positivity is genuine positivity. A concept introduced in the novel *The True Story of Ah Q* by Nobel Prize-winning author Lu Xun illustrates this well, known as “mental victory.” In the story, Ah Q distorts situations to make them seem more positive, avoiding accepting reality. This invites us to reflect on whether we are genuinely optimistic or simply caught up in a “mental victory.”
1. False Positivity vs Genuine Optimism: What’s the Difference?
Mental victory involves avoiding reality and giving oneself false comfort. While it acts as a defense mechanism, it often drives one into deeper emotional wounds. On the other hand, genuine optimism involves confronting reality and working to improve the situation.
The Stockdale Paradox
During the Vietnam War, General Stockdale, a prisoner of war, imparted a valuable lesson from his experiences. According to him, those who held onto blind optimism, believing “we’ll be released soon,” were the ones who perished. In contrast, those who confronted reality and sought ways to cope with their situation survived. This is the power of genuine optimism. Genuine optimism starts by acknowledging reality.
2. The Danger of Mental Victory
One of the biggest dangers of mental victory is that it isolates you by shutting out others’ opinions. While it can be used to reduce personal pain, overuse leads to significant issues in relationships. People caught in mental victory distort situations and blame others, which creates rifts in relationships. Over time, this leads to a state of avoiding problems altogether, making it harder to face reality.
The Importance of Genuine Optimism
Genuinely optimistic people try to understand and empathize with others. They not only protect their own emotions but also work collaboratively to create better outcomes. In today’s society, where teamwork is essential, this is a crucial quality.
3. The Habit of Mental Victory: A Risky Outcome
When mental victory becomes a habit, you lose the ability to solve problems. If you keep avoiding difficult situations and denying reality, over time, you end up in a state of isolation. Ultimately, the sense of powerlessness starts from within rather than from external factors. On the contrary, genuinely optimistic people continuously grow and focus on confronting and solving problems.
4. How to Overcome False Positivity and Pursue Genuine Optimism
The first step to overcoming false positivity is accepting reality as it is. While it’s not easy, doing so gives you the chance to find real solutions. Seeking help from others is also an important step in the process. Genuine optimism begins by acknowledging the situation, finding your role within it, and taking action.
Conclusion: The Path to Genuine Optimism
We all fall into mental victory from time to time. However, what truly matters is understanding and growing with others through genuine optimism. Facing reality and working together to find solutions is the true path to genuine optimism.