I appreciate the candor and I'm sorry that you are in a bad mood pal. Also, I would like to answer your question, but I can't seem to find it. Is it just the title, "Optimism: Rational or NO? --loaded question. I suppose the answer is situational. I will say that when I spend a lot of time thinking about the future, my role in it etc, or a I spend an inordinate amount of time considering the past, nothing good comes of it. Both are abstractions and are things I have no control over. I have immediate control over my present moment. There is no doubt that my current decisions will impact a future "now," however, it's silly to dwell too much on that. My advice would be to get out of the habit of thinking about "outcomes" in general. Obviously, you need to consider the impacts of your decisions, but don't dwell. Make a decision and move on. Be present. Act and be in the action. I'm off to bed, and I doubt I was helpful, but I hope you have a good night pal.