What have optimists got to be so cheerful about?

The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to profound scientific and philosophical concepts
  
  

Fra Fee (Candide) and Scarlett Strallen (Cunegonde) in Candide @ Menier Chocolate Factory. Directed by Matthew White.
All is for the best in the best of all possible worlds ... a scene from Candide at the Menier Chocolate Factory. Photograph: Tristram Kenton/The Guardian Photograph: Tristram Kenton/The Guardian

According to new research, optimists may live longer. As a confirmed pessimist, I can’t say I’m surprised. But come on, apart from this news, what have the optimists got to be so cheerful about?

Gerald Andrews, Birmingham

Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

 

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