Smile or Die

Why does our relentless pursuit of positivity often come at the expense of reality? Smile or Die challenges us to consider the true cost of optimism.

1. The Historical Shift to Positive Thinking

Positive thinking in America originated as a reaction to religious Calvinism. Early American settlers who adhered to Calvinism believed in predestination, emphasizing strict morality and relentless self-analysis to gauge whether they were bound for salvation. Over time, many rejected this somber ideology in favor of a brighter worldview.

From this rebellion rose the New Thought movement in the nineteenth century, which introduced the idea that God's loving spirit resides within all. Proponents believed individuals could conquer suffering—even physical illness—through divine and positive thoughts. This belief marked the beginning of an optimism-driven culture.

This shift profoundly impacted American society, promoting the idea that anyone, through sheer willpower, could craft their destiny. While this transitioned America into a land of opportunities, it also placed immense pressure on individuals to succeed on their own, laying the groundwork for self-blame.

Examples

• Calvinists believed sinful thoughts confirmed their condemnation, leading to deep self-doubt.
• New Thought advocates like Mary Baker Eddy emphasized self-healing through positivity.
• Modern self-help philosophies echo New Thought, promoting messages of individual responsibility.

2. The Prosperity Gospel: Linking God and Wealth

The pursuit of positivity has infiltrated religion, transforming sermons from messages about sin and redemption to promises of wealth and success. Congregants are now told that their faith and positive attitudes will directly result in material rewards.

The "prosperity gospel" promises that God wants believers to thrive financially, creating a burgeoning industry of megachurches and motivational pastors. This doctrine ties monetary success to one's spiritual strength, fostering a "get rich quick" mentality among followers.

However, this creates unrealistic expectations. Believers often face disillusionment when success doesn’t materialize, leading them to feel that their faith or mindset wasn’t strong enough—furthering personal guilt and despair.

Examples

• A 2006 survey found 17% of American Christians adhered to this gospel, while 61% believed God supports prosperity.
• Megachurches like Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church attract thousands with messages of positive belief equating to wealth.
• Self-help books targeting Christians often merge spiritual enlightenment with financial advancement.

3. Positive Thinking as a Corporate Strategy

Businesses exploit positive thinking to keep employees motivated and silent. This ideology shifts blame for workplace dissatisfaction onto employees, implying that failures stem from their lack of positivity rather than systemic issues.

Companies promote motivational activities, such as dream boards, encouraging workers to picture success to boost morale. While these initiatives offer a sense of hope, they also mask inequities like low pay, discrimination, and poor working conditions.

The profitability of positivity extends to the coaching industry, where speakers and trainers foster optimism among workers, often at the expense of acknowledging real workplace challenges.

Examples

• Employers prefer motivational coaching over addressing issues like discrimination or inadequate salaries.
• Dream boards displayed on desks are used to remind workers that their success is a personal choice.
• The positivity doctrine became a $1.5 billion global coaching industry by 2007.

4. The Dubious Link Between Optimism and Health

Advocates of positivity claim it boosts health, particularly by strengthening the immune system through reduced stress. Proponents argue that staying optimistic can even stave off serious illnesses like cancer.

However, scientific evidence for such claims is weak. Studies often fail scrutiny or are methodologically flawed. For example, cancer research has shown no substantial connection between optimism and improved survival rates.

Believing in the curative power of positive thinking can also harm patients by encouraging faulty guilt—suggesting that poor health stems from their failure to maintain a positive attitude.

Examples

• Bernie Siegel suggested positive attitudes could view cancer as a "blessing," though evidence is lacking.
• Penelope Schonfield’s research showed similar survival rates for lung cancer patients regardless of outlook.
• James Coyne's study debunked psychotherapy’s claimed effects on cancer survival.

5. The Dangers of Blind Optimism

Unchecked optimism can lead to dangerous consequences, such as ignoring real threats or failing to prepare for worst-case scenarios. The "cult" of positivity often stigmatizes skepticism, labeling pessimists as "downers."

However, human survival depends on realistic caution. By anticipating challenges and planning for risks, people can better handle adversity. Ignoring reality under the guise of positivity leaves individuals vulnerable when hardships inevitably occur.

History offers stark reminders of positivity’s dangers. For instance, the Bush administration overlooked warnings of impending terrorist attacks before 9/11, exemplifying the risks of believing everything will be fine without actionable precautions.

Examples

• Skeptics often engage in proactive behaviors, such as purchasing life insurance or seeking medical advice for irregular symptoms.
• Rhonda Byrne's belief that victims "manifest" disasters like tsunamis showcases harmful blame tactics.
• The federal neglect of clear 9/11 warnings reveals the peril of excessive optimism.

6. Success Stories Drive Unrealistic Goals

The positivity movement is bolstered by tales of improbable success. These stories suggest that unwavering belief and optimism are all one needs to achieve dreams, regardless of innate abilities or external factors.

This narrative ignores how hard work, resources, and circumstances contribute to success. It also sets up many for disappointment when they inevitably fall short of such lofty goals.

By prioritizing belief over action, the ideology reduces complex challenges into oversimplified affirmations.

Examples

• Books like The Secret claim thinking alone can reshape reality.
• Stories of self-made millionaires perpetuate the myth that anyone can succeed without starting advantages.
• Marketing strategies in self-help industries play on the idea of overnight transformation, masking systemic barriers.

7. Victim Blaming in the Cult of Positivity

Positivity often extends beyond self-accountability to blaming others for their misfortunes. If personal mindset supposedly governs all outcomes, then those who suffer are presumed to have caused their hardship through negativity.

This dangerous ideology dismisses systemic injustices like poverty or racism, placing sole blame on individuals for circumstances often out of their control. It amplifies shame and alienates those who face genuine obstacles.

Such a mindset creates additional emotional burdens for victims, who may feel they’ve failed both themselves and others.

Examples

• The victims of natural disasters have been accused of "manifesting" horrors through negative energy.
• Wealth inequality is often reframed as the poor’s failure to think positively.
• Those with illnesses commonly feel blamed for not maintaining optimism during struggles.

8. The False Promise of Happiness

Positive thinking creates an illusion that happiness is a goal everyone can achieve through effort alone. This view reduces the complexity of emotions and life's unpredictability into a binary choice: happy or unhappy.

Ironically, striving for constant happiness often leads to frustration, as naturally occurring disappointments interfere with unrealistic ideals. The pressure to appear cheerful at all times further exacerbates inner dissatisfaction.

Acknowledging that life includes both joy and hardship offers a more balanced and fulfilling perspective.

Examples

• The constant demand to "smile" in social situations adds unnecessary stress.
• Social media creates a curated facade of perpetual happiness, distorting reality.
• Self-help gurus often ignore the importance of embracing all emotions.

9. Evolutionary Value of Pessimism

Pessimism is often misconstrued as harmful, but it has played a crucial role in human survival. By anticipating dangers, humans have historically been better equipped to respond effectively to crises.

Preparedness stemming from cautious thinking ensures safety and stability. Recognizing risks is a vital counterbalance to excessive optimism, which may prevent individuals from taking crucial precautions.

The book argues that embracing uncertainty and realism enables people to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience.

Examples

• Precautionary measures like planning for natural disasters save countless lives.
• Evolution favored individuals who noticed and addressed threats, ensuring their communities thrived.
• Modern examples include sectors like insurance and emergency preparedness, which rely on assessing risks.

Takeaways

1. Embrace both optimism and realism by preparing for risks while maintaining hope.
2. Resist the societal pressure to always project happiness; allow space for genuine emotions.
3. Challenge narratives that tie personal worth to success and recognize external factors influencing outcomes.