Optimism

The role of optimism is twofold. It is normally treated as a positive trait in the character of a person.
However, if we look a bit deeper into its effect, a different picture emerges.

Optimism, I contend is the biggest single reason why many new businesses fail. Because, optimism lures the entrepreneurs into believing that they would be successful. Ask, an 'investor' in the now busted property markets in USA and Ireland, why they went for jumbo mortgages. The response, if they respond honestly is, they were confident of finding a bigger fool.

Well, just as pessimism can be bad for life, it turns out optimism too is out there to get the unwary.