Hello! I’ve recently competed in an oratory competition where the topic was “How to change the world with optimism.” This was my speech for the competition, and I wanted to share! Happy reading.

How to change the world with optimism.

Changing the world with optimism changing the world with anything seems   impossible. There are 8 billion people in this world. A tiny fraction of those people are “influential.”  But it’s not that unimaginable. Let’s explore this together.

Little things in life: a butterfly landing on your shoulder in spring, when sunlight streams through your window at that perfect angle, spritzing into a rainbow can make you smile.A smile at someone could save their life. Knowing they’re loved, they’re cared for, they exist can help one life. That life may save others; lead others; teach others.

Optimism has been around since the 1700s. It was born as a philosophical concept in which people focus on the good side of life. Among this focus lies other aspects: striving to be better, putting more love into the world.However, what I see as the most influential, the most widely applicable part of optimism is its main goal: that life is worth living (Britannica).

To start, let’s talk about   who can change the world. We know politics and law are a more mainstream route.People who want to change the world have dozens of options.

• High school teachers who educate the next generation.
• Psychologists and therapists who save lives.
• Scientists  who work to the betterment of man.

Anyone can change the world.

Optimism can be the gateway, the motivator, for many of these people. Especially with psychologists, parents, and teachers, the idea that life is worth living has saved multitudes of people. Yet, not enough.

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that, as of 2021, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death with 14% of the deaths being suicide. According to Live Science, the suicide epidemic is caused due to decreasing mental health, but increased self-isolation, depression, and the prevalence of self-harm. 

However, psychology today argues that optimists are less likely to have depression, self-harm issues, and other negative mental constructs. Sadly, there is a declining population of optimists in the world due to culture and technological changes. There is a severe lack of outward optimism in the world, and young people, especially, are suffering because of it.

People that have changed the world   that could have changed it more, have been lost before their time   to suicide. Alan Turing, the man who may very well have won the Allies WWII through his brilliant breaking of the German code   killed himself by eating a poisoned apple. Vincent Van Gogh   one of our most visionary painters  committed suicide. Robin Williams, who many remember from their childhoods watching movies. I remember watching Aladdin for the first time when I was little. I loved the Genie, voice acted by Robin Williams. He brought me, and many others in my generation, so much joy. Yet, at age 63 –believing no one loved him – he took his own life.

These people changed our lives. They could and should have continued. Yet, something brought them to that dark place. And yes, not everyone will become as famous as they did   but everyone has their own contributions to make. Everyone has their own spark to bring to the world.

How to change the world   with optimism?

Not by becoming president, a war hero, a world conqueror. My view is we – all of us – change the world with optimism one person at a time.

• With that special smile  
• With that kind word  
• With that expression of love that says I see you.

Every life has immeasurable value. Every life is worth living.

With optimism we can change the world.