Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this Ethical Matters talk, Sumit Paul-Choudhury—astrophysicist-turned-journalist and former editor-in-chief of New Scientist—explored the powerful role optimism plays in both humanity’s greatest challenges and our daily lives. What do Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition, the chicken crossing the road, James Baldwin’s fight for civil rights and the development of AI have in common? The answer: optimism.
Sumit’s argues that optimism is not just a natural part of the human psyche, but a vital force that has helped us survive and thrive. Optimism will also play a critical role in helping us overcome the challenges of the twenty-first century.
🔗 Watch the full talk now for £2 on the Conway Hall Player: conwayhall.org.uk/on-demand/why-optimism-wins
Like our video? Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more ethical debates and discussions.
Conway Hall is the last remaining Ethical Society in the UK that hosts a diverse range of talks, concerts, exhibitions and events. Known as a hub for free speech and independent thought, Conway Hall has welcomed suffragettes, political radicals, scientists, philosophers, artists and more – supporting campaigns, charities and non-profits.
See our upcoming talks: conwayhall.org.uk/talks
View full videos on our Conway Hall Player: conwayhall.org.uk/on-demand
Become a member: conwayhall.org.uk/membership
Donate: conwayhall.org.uk/support-us
In this Ethical Matters talk, Sumit Paul-Choudhury—astrophysicist-turned-journalist and former editor-in-chief of New Scientist—explored the powerful role optimism plays in both humanity’s greatest challenges and our daily lives. What do Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition, the chicken crossing the road, James Baldwin’s fight for civil rights and the development of AI have in common? The answer: optimism.
Sumit’s argues that optimism is not just a natural part of the human psyche, but a vital force that has helped us survive and thrive. Optimism will also play a critical role in helping us overcome the challenges of the twenty-first century.
🔗 Watch the full talk now for £2 on the Conway Hall Player: conwayhall.org.uk/on-demand/why-optimism-wins
Like our video? Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more ethical debates and discussions.
Conway Hall is the last remaining Ethical Society in the UK that hosts a diverse range of talks, concerts, exhibitions and events. Known as a hub for free speech and independent thought, Conway Hall has welcomed suffragettes, political radicals, scientists, philosophers, artists and more – supporting campaigns, charities and non-profits.
See our upcoming talks: conwayhall.org.uk/talks
View full videos on our Conway Hall Player: conwayhall.org.uk/on-demand
Become a member: conwayhall.org.uk/membership
Donate: conwayhall.org.uk/support-us
