‘I became an optimist the night my wife died’: a science writer on loss and letting go of rationalism
Sumit Paul-Choudhury, appearing at the Alnwick Story Fest, has written a powerful piece this week about his new book The Bright Side: Why Optimists Have the Power to Change the World.
We are delighted to host science writer Sumit Paul Choudhury at the Alnwick Story Fest in February. This week he’s written a moving article in The Guardian about the inspiration behind his new book The Bright Side: Why Optimists have the Power to Change the World.
Here’s the link to the article
Optimism. It’s a word we hear often, but in today’s unpredictable world, does it really have a place? For Sumit Paul-Choudhury—an astrophysicist-turned-journalist and former New Scientist editor-in-chief—the answer is a resounding yes.
Sumit, who spent much of his career priding himself on his sharp critical thinking, found his worldview upended when his wife died of cancer. Forced to reassess everything, he embarked on a journey to understand how optimism—irrational as it might seem—plays a critical role in navigating life’s challenges.
In his debut book, The Bright Side, Sumit weaves together fascinating stories from history, science, and personal experience to reveal why optimism is more than just a mindset for extreme situations—it’s essential for our survival and growth.
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From Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition to James Baldwin’s fight for civil rights, and even unexpected links between Artificial Intelligence and George Bush’s “mission accomplished,” Sumit explores the power of hope, imagination, and action to transform lives and create brighter futures.
This is your chance to hear Sumit speak live at Alnwick Playhouse on Friday, 28th February, at 7PM.
With his thought-provoking insights, he’ll challenge your perspective, inspire you to cultivate optimism, and leave you with a transformative manifesto for hope.
Tickets are just £10—don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the brightest minds of our time.
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