Optimism and hope are radically different attitudes.

• Optimism is the expectation that things -- the weather, human relationships, the economy, the political situation, on so on -- will get better
• Hope is trust that God will fulfill God's promises to us in a way that leads to true freedom

The optimist speaks about concrete changes in the future. The person of hope lives in the moment with the knowledge and trust that all of life is in good hands.