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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250725T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250725T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250318T164431Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T165509Z
UID:394-1753459200-1753462800@alternity.com
SUMMARY:Buxton International Festival: The Bright Side
DESCRIPTION:Astrophysicist-turned-journalist\, and former Editor-in- Chief of the New Scientist\, Sumit Paul-Choudhury offers practical suggestions on what it really takes to be an optimist today and\, in doing so\, provides a powerful manifesto for hope and a much-needed new perspective on our prospects. He shows how\, by embracing action\, imagination and possibility\, we can find a path to the bright side\, even\, perhaps especially\, when the future seems dark. Sumit will be interviewed by Ian Muir-Cochrane.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/buxton-international-festival-the-bright-side/
LOCATION:Pavilion Arts Centre\, St John's Rd\, Buxton\, SK17 6BE
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250627T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250627T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250127T125759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T125759Z
UID:371-1751011200-1751043600@alternity.com
SUMMARY:This Is Optimism
DESCRIPTION:An intimate one-day conference for 100 ambitious change-makers who wholeheartedly believe that humans can imagine and create radically better futures \nThrough a diverse collection of talks and activities\, we’ll be exploring Kevin Kelly’s belief that ‘over the long term\, the future is decided by optimists’. \nHear from speakers like Rachel Coldicutt\, Anil Seth\, Anajali Ramachandran\, Mark Stevenson and Sumit Paul-Choudhury\, author of the soon-to-be-published book The Bright Side\, an investigation of the philosophy and practice of optimism. \nYou’ll also enjoy wonderful food from award-winning chef Hannah Thomas\, vineyard tours and tastings by Artelium’s founders. Plus a few other surprises that we’re keeping up our sleeves. \nWe remain optimistic for sunshine.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/this-is-optimism/
LOCATION:Artellium Wine Estate\, Streat Lane\, Hassocks\, BN6 8SA\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250608T183000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250608T193000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250319T223632Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250319T223632Z
UID:398-1749407400-1749411000@alternity.com
SUMMARY:Cheltenham Science Festival: Life on the Bright Side
DESCRIPTION:Sumit Paul-Choudhury will be in conversation with Bruce Hood\, Chair of Developmental Psychology at Bristol University where the “Science of Happiness” programme was developed.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/cheltenham-science-festival-life-on-the-bright-side/
LOCATION:Parabola Arts Centre\, Cheltenham Ladies' College\, Bayshill Road\, Cheltenham\, GL50 3EP
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250523T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250523T183000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250318T163802Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T163802Z
UID:390-1748021400-1748025000@alternity.com
SUMMARY:Hay Festival: Isabel Losada and Sumit Paul-Choudhury talk to Martin Wright
DESCRIPTION:If you think the outlook is bleak\, come and hear some much-needed new perspective on our prospects as Isabel Losada and Sumit Paul-Choudhury discuss their good vibes with Director of Positive News Martin Wright. \nIn The Joyful Environmentalist Losada gets right on with the solutions. Looking for every single way we can take care of the planet\, she addresses how we live and work\, travel\, shop\, eat\, drink\, dress\, vote\, play\, volunteer\, bank – everything. She advocates doing this wholeheartedly\, energetically and joyfully\, until we’re all fully equipped to be part of the pollution solution. \nAstrophysicist-turned-journalist Sumit Paul-Choudhury’s The Bright Side is a deep dive into the power and science of optimism. Irrational though it might seem\, optimism is central to the human psyche: without it we would never have survived the unpredictable and often hostile world we evolved into – and it may have lessons for us yet.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/hay-festival-isabel-losada-and-sumit-paul-choudhury-talk-to-martin-wright/
LOCATION:Meadow Stage\, Hay Festival\, Dairy Meadows\, Brecon Road\, Hay-on-Wye\, HR3 5PJ
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250401T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250401T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250127T124614Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T163129Z
UID:364-1743534000-1743541200@alternity.com
SUMMARY:Telegraph Hill Festival: A Night of Unbridled Optimism
DESCRIPTION:Come and hear about reasons to be cheerful from two professional optimists. Sumit Paul-Choudhury\, former editor-in-chief of New Scientist\, is author of The Bright Side: Why Optimists Have the Power to Change the World. Reluctant futurist Mark Stevenson wrote “The Optimist’s Guide to the Future”. Together\, they’ll explain why things aren’t as bad as they might seem – and how they could be even better if we can look at them in the right way and get our collective acts together\, and answer your questions about the power of positivity.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/a-night-of-unbridled-optimism/
LOCATION:Hatcham House\, Hatcham Liberal Club Building\, 367 Queens Road\, London\, SE14 5HD\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250331T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250331T150000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250124T110230Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T163954Z
UID:338-1743429600-1743433200@alternity.com
SUMMARY:Oxford Literary Festival: Sumit Paul-Choudhury talks to Matthew Stadlen
DESCRIPTION:Astrophysicist-turned-journalist Sumit Paul-Choudhury says optimism is central to the human psyche and gives us an advantage both in life and the evolutionary race. \nPaul-Choudhury says optimism is a natural state of humanity and an essential one. He says we would never have survived an unpredictable and hostile world without it. And he argues that its benefits are there to see in everyday life in our relationships\, careers\, bodies and minds. Paul-Choudhury says we can find a path to the bright side by embracing action\, imagination and possibility even when the future might seem dark. \nPaul-Choudhury is a former editor-in-chief of New Scientist and has been a judge for the Baillie Gifford Prize\, the Wellcome Prize and the Costa Book Awards. Here he talks to broadcaster and author Matthew Stadlen.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/the-bright-side-at-the-oxford-literary-festival/
LOCATION:Garden Room\, Levine Building\, Trinity\, Trinity St\, Oxford\, OX1 3BH\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250320T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250320T120000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250319T224205Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250319T224248Z
UID:419-1742468400-1742472000@alternity.com
SUMMARY:Online: Optimism for civil servants
DESCRIPTION:How can optimism shape the future? Join us for a thought-provoking session with Sumit Paul-Choudhury – writer\, entrepreneur and former editor-in-chief of New Scientist – as he explores the themes of his acclaimed book\, The Bright Side . \nSumit will make the case for optimism as a powerful driver of innovation and social progress\, showing how a shift in mindset can help tackle 21st-century challenges. Don’t miss what promises to be an inspiring discussion! \nOpen to UK civil servants with a gov.uk (or equivalent) email.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/optimism-for-the-open-innovation-team/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250312T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250312T203000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250127T124151Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T124151Z
UID:360-1741806000-1741811400@alternity.com
SUMMARY:The Bright Side at Waterstones Bristol - Galleries
DESCRIPTION:Optimism\, irrational though it might be\, is central to the human psyche: it seems to give us an advantage both in everyday life and in the evolutionary race. \nWhat does Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition have in common with the chicken that crossed the road? Or James Baldwin’s campaign for civil rights with the development of AI? Or even Crossrail and George Bush’s ‘mission accomplished’? \nThe Bright Side makes a vital and transformative new argument: that optimism is not only the natural state of humanity\, but an essential one. Without optimism we would never have survived the unpredictable- and often hostile- world we evolved into. Yet optimism is not reserved for times of extremity. Its benefits manifest throughout our everyday lives: our relationships\, careers\, bodies and minds. And it will play a critical role in overcoming the challenges of the 21st century.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/the-bright-side-at-waterstones-bristol-galleries/
LOCATION:Waterstones Bristol – Galleries\, 11A Union Galleries\, Broadmead\,\, Bristol\, BS1 3XD\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250228T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250228T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250106T223219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T124233Z
UID:209-1740769200-1740776400@alternity.com
SUMMARY:The Bright Side at Alnwick Story Fest
DESCRIPTION:Discover why optimism\, irrational though it might seem\, is not only a natural human trait but a vital one for our survival. Join Sumit Paul-Choudhury\, astrophysicist-turned-journalist and former editor-in-chief of New Scientist\, as he presents his groundbreaking debut book\, The Bright Side. In this thought-provoking talk\, Sumit weaves together stories from Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition to James Baldwin’s civil rights campaign\, and even explores the unexpected connections between Crossrail\, Artificial Intelligence\, and George Bush’s ‘mission accomplished.’ \nSumit argues that optimism is central to our ability to navigate the unpredictable and often hostile world we live in. More than just a mindset for extreme situations\, optimism impacts our daily lives\, from relationships and careers to our mental and physical health. The Bright Side offers practical insights on how to cultivate optimism and provides a transformative manifesto for hope in a world facing immense challenges. \nJoin us at Alnwick Story Fest 2025 for an inspiring and revolutionary perspective on how embracing action\, imagination\, and possibility can help us find the path to a brighter future.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/the-bright-side/
LOCATION:Alnwick Playhouse\, Bondgate Without\, Alnwick\, NE66 1PQ\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250227T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250227T210000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250106T221927Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250127T125306Z
UID:198-1740682800-1740690000@alternity.com
SUMMARY:The Bright Side: a Night of Powerful Optimism with Sumit Paul-Choudhury
DESCRIPTION:At a time when cynicism is often mistaken for honesty\, and being honest about the state of things can mean sinking into despair\, what is the role of optimism? Can we afford to be optimistic? \nAstrophysicist-turned-journalist Sumit Paul-Choudhury’s answer to the latter is a resounding yes. In The Bright Side : Why Optimists Have the Power to Change the World\, he shows how optimism is\, in fact\, more vital than ever. What does Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition have in common with the chicken that crossed the road? Or James Baldwin’s campaign for civil rights with the development of AI? Or even Crossrail and George Bush’s ‘mission accomplished’? \nIn his book\, Sumit Paul-Choudhury offers practical suggestions on what it really takes to be an optimist today and\, in doing so\, provides a powerful manifesto for hope and a much-needed new perspective on our prospects. He shows how\, by embracing action\, imagination and possibility\, we can find a path to the bright side\, even – perhaps especially – when the future seems dark. Both realistic and revolutionary\, The Bright Side is a guidebook for troubled times that will make you re-evaluate your habits and outlook. \nWe’re immensely glad to have Sumit with us in Edinburgh and we invite you to a very special evening of learning\, exploring and finding inspiration!
URL:https://alternity.com/event/the-bright-side-a-night-of-powerful-optimism-with-sumit-paul-choudhury/
LOCATION:Leith Hall\, 25 Nicolson Square\, Edinburgh\, EH8 9BX
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Paris:20250203T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/Paris:20250204T160000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250117T093714Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250117T093714Z
UID:273-1738584000-1738684800@alternity.com
SUMMARY:Dutch press trip
DESCRIPTION:I’ll be in Amsterdam for a couple of days for the Dutch launch of THE BRIGHT SIDE: EEN OPTIMISTISCHE GESCHIEDENIS VAN DE MENSHEID. \nFor advance copies\, interview requests and media opportunities\, please contact Sylvie Steffers at Alfabet Uitgevers.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/dutch-press-trip/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250202T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250202T163000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250106T222322Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T222322Z
UID:201-1738508400-1738513800@alternity.com
SUMMARY:Ethical Matters: Why Optimism Wins
DESCRIPTION:What does Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition have in common with the chicken that crossed the road? Or James Baldwin’s campaign for civil rights with the development of AI? Or even Crossrail with George Bush’s ‘mission accomplished’? \nOptimism\, irrational though it might seem\, is central to the human psyche: it appears to provide us with an advantage both in everyday life and in the evolutionary race. \nIn his book The Bright Side\, Sumit Paul-Choudhury makes a vital and transformative argument: that optimism is not only the natural state of humanity but an essential one. Without optimism\, we would never have survived the unpredictable – and often hostile – world we evolved into. Yet optimism is not reserved for moments of extremity. Its benefits manifest throughout our everyday lives: in our relationships\, careers\, bodies\, and minds. It will also play a critical role in overcoming the challenges of the twenty-first century. \nSumit is an astrophysicist-turned-journalist\, former editor-in-chief of New Scientist magazine\, and has served as a judge for the Baillie Gifford Prize (formerly the Samuel Johnson Prize)\, the Wellcome Prize\, and the Costa Book Awards. \nThe Bright Side is Sumit’s first book\, and will be available to buy in person from Newham Bookshop on the day.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/ethical-matters-why-optimism-wins/
LOCATION:Conway Hall\, 25 Red Lion Square\, London\, WC1R 4RL\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250123T140000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250123T150000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250106T222728Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250106T223311Z
UID:204-1737640800-1737644400@alternity.com
SUMMARY:Michael Weatherburn & Sumit Paul-Choudhury: How to be optimistic: from evolutionary biology to anthropic cosmology
DESCRIPTION:What should we expect from the world – benevolence\, cruelty or indifference? Former New Scientist editor-in-chief and Imperial Physics alumnus Sumit Paul-Choudhury will explain how the answer to this age-old question lies in the concept of optimism. Often dismissed as a lazy or naive attitude to life\, Sumit will argue that it actually raises – and answers – fundamental questions about how we perceive the cosmos and our place in it. \nIn this special launch event for his new book\, THE BRIGHT SIDE\, Sumit will offer attendees tips on how they can learn to take a brighter view of the world we live in and the future ahead\, and explain how he drew upon a wide range of subjects and experiences – ranging from high finance to Greek mythology\, and from theoretical physics to urban history – to produce one of 2025’s most anticipated non-fiction titles. \nThis seminar will take place both live at CLCC and online.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/michael-weatherburn-sumit-paul-choudhury-how-to-be-optimistic-from-evolutionary-biology-to-anthropic-cosmology/
LOCATION:Centre for Languages\, Culture and Communication\, Imperial College\, Level 3\, Sherfield Building\, Prince Consort Road\, London\, SW7 2BB\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250121T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250121T203000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250102T232949Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T233834Z
UID:192-1737484200-1737491400@alternity.com
SUMMARY:The Bright Side - Why Optimists Have the Power to Change the World
DESCRIPTION:We are joined by the former Editor-in-Chief of the New Scientist and astrophysicist-turned-journalist Sumit Paul-Choudhury on Tuesday 21 January to discuss his book\, The Bright Side. \nA deep dive into the power and science of optimism\, that will change the way you think for good. Optimism\, irrational though it might be\, is central to the human psyche: it seems to give us an advantage both in everyday life and in the evolutionary race.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/the-bright-side-why-optimists-have-the-power-to-change-the-world/
LOCATION:Real Magic Books\, 2 King's Head Parade High St\, Wendover\, Buckinghamshire\, HP22 6DX\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250116T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250116T220000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250107T145016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T145016Z
UID:228-1737054000-1737064800@alternity.com
SUMMARY:Long Now London 2501 - Optimism
DESCRIPTION:Long Now London is meeting on the third Thursday of January to coincide with the public launch at the RSA of “The Bright Side” by Sumit Paul Choudhury – a deeply researched investigation into the psychology\, philosophy and practice of optimism. Sumit has chalked the horse with us and member of our London community. Sumit will be speaking elsewhere in RSA House at 6pm (get your free tickets for that here) and then we will meet in the bar as usual.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/long-now-london-2501-optimism/
LOCATION:Muse at the RSA\, 8 John Adam St\, London\, WC2N 6EZ\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250116T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250116T190000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250102T231319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250102T231333Z
UID:188-1737050400-1737054000@alternity.com
SUMMARY:How Optimists Change the World
DESCRIPTION:In person at RSA House\, and live on YouTube: \nOptimism is central to the human psyche: it seems to give us an advantage in both everyday life and in addressing great collective challenges \nSumit Paul-Choudhury\, former editor-in-chief of New Scientist\, visits the RSA to make a vital and transformative new argument: that optimism is not only the natural state of humanity\, but an essential one. \nSumit argues that without optimism we would never have survived the unpredictable – and often hostile – world we evolved into. Yet optimism is not just reserved for times of extremity. Its benefits manifest throughout our everyday lives: our relationships\, careers\, bodies\, and minds. And it will play a critical role in overcoming the toughest challenges of the twenty-first century. \nKick-start your New Year with a powerfully motivating manifesto for hope and a much-needed new perspective on our individual and societal prospects. By embracing action\, imagination\, and possibility\, we can find a path to the bright side\, even – perhaps especially – when the future seems dark. \nChaired by Anna Markland\, Head of Innovation & Change\, RSA
URL:https://alternity.com/event/how-optimists-change-the-world/
LOCATION:RSA House\, 8 John Adam Street\, London\, WC2N 6EZ
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250114T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250114T193000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250101T221611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250101T221611Z
UID:177-1736877600-1736883000@alternity.com
SUMMARY:Can Optimism Change the World?
DESCRIPTION:Astrophysicist-turned-journalist Sumit Paul-Choudhury\, author of The Bright Side: Why Optimists Have the Power to Change the World\, brings his unique insights to The Conduit. In a conversation moderated by Claudia Hammond—award-winning broadcaster\, author (The Keys to Kindness)\, and host of BBC Radio 4’s All in the Mind—they will explore how optimism can address the critical challenges of the 21st century\, from climate resilience and democratic innovation to building a sustainable green economy. \nNon-members can sign up here to attend in person or for the livestream.
URL:https://alternity.com/event/can-optimism-change-the-world/
LOCATION:The Conduit Club\, 6 Langley Street\, London\, WC2H 9JA\, United Kingdom
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250109T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250109T203000
DTSTAMP:20260430T043131
CREATED:20250101T221747Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250101T221747Z
UID:180-1736447400-1736454600@alternity.com
SUMMARY:The Bright Side Launch Party
DESCRIPTION:By invitation only!
URL:https://alternity.com/event/the-bright-side-launch-party/
END:VEVENT
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