Available as Hardback
A deep dive into the power and science of optimism that will change the way you think for good, by astrophysicist-turned-journalist Sumit Paul-Choudhury
A GUARDIAN ‘BOOK TO READ IN 2025’
‘A truly inspirational and beautiful book with a powerful and timely message for today’s society’ - JIM AL-KHALILI
Optimism, irrational though it might be, is central to the human psyche: it seems to give us an advantage both in everyday life and in the evolutionary race.
What does Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition have in common with the chicken that crossed the road? Or James Baldwin’s campaign for civil rights with the development of AI? Or even Crossrail and George Bush’s ‘mission accomplished’?
The Bright Side makes a vital and transformative new argument: that optimism is not only the natural state of humanity, but an essential one. Without optimism we would never have survived the unpredictable – and often hostile – world we evolved into. Yet optimism is not reserved for times of extremity. Its benefits manifest throughout our everyday lives: our relationships, careers, bodies and minds. And it will play a critical role in overcoming the challenges of the twenty-first century.
In this book, astrophysicist-turned-journalist Sumit-Paul Choudhury offers practical suggestions on what it really takes to be an optimist today and, in doing so, provides a powerful manifesto for hope and a much-needed new perspective on our prospects. He shows how, by embracing action, imagination and possibility, we can find a path to the bright side, even – perhaps especially – when the future seems dark.
Both realistic and revolutionary, The Bright Side is a guidebook for troubled times that will make you re-evaluate your habits and outlook.
“An expansive tour de force. Paul-Choudhury’s own voice shines through – he is witty, empathetic and a beautiful writer … We’re born optimists, Paul-Choudhury argues; if you’re no longer one, this title will give you a way back – and a lot more besides”
observer
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“A powerfully inspiring study of optimism that avoids farcical good cheer. [ … ] Sumit Paul-Choudhury comes down firmly on the side of optimism in this lively exploration of glass-half-full thinking and its relationship with social progress. [He] presents a fascinating and wide-ranging argument that is hopeful but never trite or self-satisfied … It is a perspective that will be sorely needed in 2025”
guardian
“I was left wondering how much humanity would change for the better if everyone read this book. Unlike the plethora of self-help publications full of their clichéd soundbites, Paul-Choudhury has written a truly inspirational and beautiful book with a powerful and timely message for today’s society”
Jim Al-khalili, Author And Broadcaster
“Sumit Paul-Choudhury transforms optimism from a soft-hearted notion into a hard-headed advantage. The Bright Side makes optimism rigorous, daring us to see it as a disciplined, effective way to tackle the world’s toughest challenges”
Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author Of Drive And The Power Of Regret
“I truly loved The Bright Side! It is both intelligent and erudite yet also accessible and warm. The range of examples and examples of pessimism pitfalls will be helpful to all”
Cathy Rentzenbrink, Author Of The Last Act Of Love
Sumit Paul-Choudhury
Sumit Paul-Choudhury is an astrophysicist-turned-journalist, former editor-in-chief of New Scientist magazine and has served as a judge for the Baillie Gifford Prize (then Samuel Johnson Prize), the Wellcome Prize and the Costa Book Awards. The Bright Side is his first book.
@sumit | paulchoudhury.com