86. Should We All Be Taking More Long Shots?
Summary
Angela Duckworth and Stephen Dubner explore the psychology of hope and optimism, distinguishing between dispositional optimism and agentic hope. They discuss how believing in one’s ability to shape the future drives effort, social support, and historical progress. The hosts analyze the value of taking "long shots," using examples like NBA three-pointers and personal failures to illustrate how striving changes odds.
Topics discussed
Sponsors: Amika Insurance and Charles Schwab
Introduction: The allure of long shots and hope
Hope vs. Optimism: Defining the terms
Dispositional Optimism: Expecting good things
Agentic Hope: The power of personal agency
Causality: Does optimism lead to success?
Listener stories on taking long shots
Benefits of failing at long shots
Basketball three-pointers and changing odds
Sponsors: SoFi and Charles Schwab
Fact Check: Evolution, Seligman, and Curry
Outro and final sponsor messages
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