Many of the insights I share here on OpinYon come from a man named Christian D. Larson, an early 20th-century writer and speaker who believed in the transformative power of positive thinking. His words have greatly influenced me, especially his famous “The Optimist Creed,” a simple yet profound meditation that encourages living with hope, kindness, and resilience.
Originally published in 1910 as “Promise Yourself,” “The Optimist Creed” later became the official manifesto of Optimist International. It is essentially a set of promises we make to ourselves to foster a better, more positive life. I am proud to be part of this organization through The Optimist Club of the Philippines, and I’ve had the privilege of attending their conventions, like the one in 1997 at the Renaissance Center in Detroit. These experiences revealed how many around the world share the same hope of making life brighter for others.
What I cherish most about Larson’s Creed is its emphasis on positivity and kindness. It urges us to remain strong and peaceful regardless of life's challenges. It reminds us to speak words of health, happiness, and prosperity—to others and ourselves—because words hold power. They can uplift or tear down, so choosing encouraging language is vital.
Larson’s words also inspire us to see the good in others—to make friends feel special and appreciated. Every person has something beautiful in them, and recognizing that can transform relationships. The Creed encourages us to focus on the sunny side of everything—to seek hope even in difficult circumstances—and to think positively, expecting the best rather than dwelling on the worst.
Another key principle is genuine happiness for others’ successes. Instead of feeling jealous, we should celebrate their victories as if they were ours. True happiness, Larson reminds us, comes from supporting and loving others. This attitude fosters a spirit of generosity and community.
He also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness—letting go of past mistakes, whether ours or others’. Holding onto anger or worry only complicates life. Instead, he advocates wearing a cheerful face and sharing a smile, which can brighten someone’s day and lighten our own burden.
The Creed concludes with a call to self-improvement. When we dedicate time to grow in kindness, patience, and understanding, there’s less room for criticism. Larson teaches that by elevating ourselves, we become too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to be troubled by minor setbacks.
These principles shape how I strive to live daily. By keeping these promises to myself, I aim to be better and help brighten the world around me. Larson’s words remind me that optimism is a choice—one worth making every day.
The Optimist Creed
Promise Yourself
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
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