I choose optimism

That these are uncertain times will not have escaped anyone. And in times like these, sharp – almost bitter – columns, strong statements, demonstrations, doom scenarios, and even anger are essential to bring across a message, motivate people, and bring about change.

Observing this around me, and reading the other columnists’ columns, I sometimes wonder if I am critical enough and if my columns are not too sappy and sweet. And when the imposter syndrome rears its ugly face I wonder: do I contribute anything and am I a good columnist?

Before writing this column I looked, as I always do, at my column inspiration list. I saw:

• All of the world was created by us. There is nothing we cannot completely redo’ (quote from the International Women’s Day gathering at TU Delft).
• ‘Creative energy from having a bit of freedom in your life’ (quote from the International Women’s Day gathering at TU Delft).
• ‘It starts by imagining a different future’ (note after a conversation with a colleague).

Not really a strong start of a critical column about the cutbacks, Eppo Bruins and the fund for international academics, or local developments such as social safety, or the stepping down of the Chair of the Supervisory Board.

But what if anger does not suit you? If you are an optimist by nature? You are just back from a long travel and you want to keep that relaxing mindset? Or if anger leads to feelings of powerlessness and frustration in you which blocks you and stands in the way of a constructive debate? Then, just like me, choose optimism! Not only is it more fun, but it may be just as effective.

Choose optimism! Not only is it more fun, but it may be just as effective

If you can imagine a different future, we can also work towards that future. Change begins with the ability to imagine. And this calls for creativity, creativity (in Dutch) that is the first thing to go if your head overflows. In these times we all want to ‘do something’, but ‘doing nothing’ may be more useful in the long term. And I don’t mean watching Netflix or checking social media, but allowing your brain to rest and fantasise. I often write my whole column in my head when I calmly cycle along the Schie on my way to or from campus. After 20 columns, it appears that I regularly make minor suggestions to change TU Delft, the technical sciences or the academic world in a positive way through small actions. A brief look back:

• Be inspired by your childlike curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm (December 2022)
• Go in search of healthy and stimulating rivalry – with transparency, rules and the fun of a competition (March 2023)
• Technical studies are not hard (November 2023)
• Reach out and show the way (December 2023)
• Applaud academics who dare to show their vulnerability in public debates (February 2024)
• Do meddle in my affairs (March 2025)

If I might inspire one person with every column who adapts their behaviour just once, my impact may be big enough. So let’s not ‘pull out our hair’ so often but  flip our hair proudly instead as the power to imagine and optimism will help us jointly create a better future.