I have often been taught to always view the glass as half full, “optimistic is the way to be in life” they say. But is optimism always optimal for growth?
For me, interpreting the glass as half full means being satisfied in life. It is being in a state of content and satisfaction to accept all the theories that are thrown at you and not questioning its state of being. Hence my question remains, does being satisfied with everything foster growth and curiosity? I do not think interpreting life with optimism is wrong or invalid, but, as a student, what does viewing the glass as half full yield?
The way I see this is, a student who wants to learn, gain experiences, and has a thirst for knowledge will see the glass as half empty. Not referring to being pessimistic but rather, perceptive, and ambitious towards wanting to learn new things. Seeing the glass half empty represents the student’s curiosity and the state of self-ego.
Seeing the glass half empty tells you that the student does not carry a destructive ego because the way I see it is, there is a very fine line between self-confidence and ego, and it is important to distinguish the two when you are a student. When the ego starts to do the talking, that is when you as a student put an end to your learning journey.
When speaking about ego, I believe, “ambition” to be an essential part. However, I think it is a part with a positive end result. One that fosters hard work, curiosity, and one that gives you the inner strength to overcome adversity.
Overall, from a personal perspective, I do not think a glass seen as half empty by students should be viewed to be a negative trait, but rather as one that fosters growth, showcases the thirst of knowledge and a student’s ambition towards life and education.
