The person who marches on toward hope through sheer force of will—that person is a true optimist.

Buddhism Day by Day

Wisdom for Modern Life by Daisaku Ikeda
Friday, February 22, 2013:

 

Real optimism should not be confused with a carefree outlook on life, one in which we forfeit responsibility for our lives. The person undefeated by misfortune, poverty, insult and vilification, the person who can bounce back from every adversity and say, "What? That was nothing!" The person who marches on toward hope through sheer force of will—that person is a true optimist.