The Bright Side

A deep dive into the power and science of optimism that will change the way you think for good, by astrophysicist-turned-journalist Sumit Paul-Choudhury

An expansive tour de force. Paul-Choudhury's own voice shines through - he is witty, empathetic and a beautiful writer . . . We're born optimists, Paul-Choudhury argues; if you're no longer one, this title will give you a way back - and a lot more besides

A powerfully inspiring study of optimism that avoids farcical good cheer. [ . . . ] Sumit Paul-Choudhury comes down firmly on the side of optimism in this lively exploration of glass-half-full thinking and its relationship with social progress. [He] presents a fascinating and wide-ranging argument that is hopeful but never trite or self-satisfied . . . It is a perspective that will be sorely needed in 2025

I was left wondering how much humanity would change for the better if everyone read this book. Unlike the plethora of self-help publications full of their clichéd soundbites, Paul-Choudhury has written a truly inspirational and beautiful book with a powerful and timely message for today's society

Sumit Paul-Choudhury transforms optimism from a soft-hearted notion into a hard-headed advantage. The Bright Side makes optimism rigorous, daring us to see it as a disciplined, effective way to tackle the world's toughest challenges

I truly loved The Bright Side ! It is both intelligent and erudite yet also accessible and warm. The range of examples and examples of pessimism pitfalls will be helpful to all

The Bright Side is a book we desperately need right now. This is science-based chicken soup for the soul. It will both nourish and empower you

With our fashion for cynicism, it's all too easy to believe the worst in ourselves and the world around us. In The Bright Side , Sumit Paul-Choudhury provides the perfect antidote to this defensive pessimism. With a lightness of touch, he deftly melds science, philosophy and culture to build a convincing case for optimism. I left this book feeling energised and empowered

This moving, insightful argument for optimism stands up against the cynical mood of the twenty-first century, challenging - and equipping - the reader to help create a better world

I love this book so much! The Bright Side is a thrilling and galvanising ride. The optimism Paul-Choudhury describes is not just for the self-help aisle - it is a societal engine for creating the best of all possible worlds. This book is nothing less than a set of operating instructions for a better future

The next few years are some of the most important in human history. The problems we face are huge, and can feel overwhelming, but it is vital that we don't fall into what Sumit Paul-Choudhury calls the pessimism trap - the sense that all is lost and there's no point struggling. This book brilliantly shows the way out. Both personal and universal, interwoven with examples from literature, history and modern science, this book shows us how to find within us fierce imagination and determined hope, and create a better future

Sumit Paul-Choudhury trained as an astrophysicist before becoming a journalist specialising in finance, risk, strategy and technology. A former editor-in-chief of New Scientist magazine, he has served as a judge for the Samuel Johnson Prize, the Wellcome Prize and the Costa Book Awards. His creative studio, Alternity, works with a wide variety of organisations to explore the endless possibilities of the past, present and future.
The Bright Side is his debut book.

@sumit | paulchoudhury.com