Say No to Blind Optimism
“Is the glass half full or half empty?" This question is often asked to determine whether someone is an optimist or a pessimist. In my view, even though we need to see the glass half full, we cannot deny the fact that the glass is also half empty. Having a healthy proportion of expectations makes us more realistic. Blind optimism, however, may foster delusions, result in frustrations and spoil relationships. We all long for accomplishments, but sometimes we overstress the positive outcome of our effort and waste our time with glorious plans that will never work. We indulge ourselves in delusions and impractical dreams. We fail to see that blind optimism only gives us false promises and clouds our sense of judgment. Ambition without clear directions cannot lead to a victorious experience. We need to understand that wishful thinking and delusions won’t work.
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Balanced optimism helps us to develop healthy relationships whereas blind optimism destroys them. One of the reasons for short-lived friendships is that we tend to expect too much of our friends. However, they may not always live up to our expectations. This gives rise to disappointment and misunderstanding. Friendships or relationships consequently turn sour. Some relationships may be seriously affected, with all parties experiencing much pain. A more realistic outlook helps us to understand human limitations, show more consideration for others and prevent excess expectations.
To sum up, blind optimism does more harm than good and should be discarded. Saying no to blind optimism means we can fly but we fly with the safest bet, with the parachute, so that we don’t drop hard. It proves our ability to accept weaknesses and strive for the best. It gives us second options in our lives and alleviates the pains and disappointments that life imposes on us. This holistic attitude, accepting both positive and negative sides, will make us stronger and more mature. After all, a lotus is a beautiful flower that blossoms out of the mud.
【正确答案】：
          BLIND OPTIMISM EASILY RESULTS IN FRUSTRATIONS. SOMETIMES, DRIVEN BY AMBITION, WE MAY SET UNREALISTIC OR UNATTAINABLE GOALS. WHEN THE GOALS ARE BEYOND OUR CAPABILITIES, WE OFTEN END UP FEELING DISCOURAGED AND FRUSTRATED TO THE POINT WHERE WE GIVE UP ON OUR GOALS. TO ACHIEVE THE DESIRED RESULTS, THEREFORE, WE NEED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SIGNIFICANT OBSTACLES AND DEEP PITFALLS ALONG THE PATH. THOUGHTFUL PLANS AND PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS CAN HELP US AVOID UNNECESSARY FRUSTRATIONS IN THE LONG RUN. A REALISTIC APPROACH RATHER THAN BLIND OPTIMISM PREPARES US BETTER FOR THE TASKS AHEAD AND ENSURES THE EVENTUAL ATTAINMENT OF THE GOALS.
【题目解析】：根据第一段，列出全文提纲ⅠBlind optimism, may foster delusions, result in frustrations and spoil relationships.ⅡSometimes we overstress the positive outcome of our effort and waste our time with glorious plans that will never work.ⅢBlind optimism easily results in frustrations.ⅣBalanced optimism helps us to develop healthy relationships whereas blind optimism destroys them.ⅤTo sum up, blind optimism does more harm than good and should be discarded.由提纲可知，缺失的段落是关于盲目乐观容易导致挫折的内容。 Blind optimism easily results in frustrations. Sometimes, driven by ambition, we may set unrealistic or unattainable goals. When the goals are beyond our capabilities, we often end up feeling discouraged and frustrated to the point where we give up on our goals. To achieve the desired results, therefore, we need to acknowledge the significant obstacles and deep pitfalls along the path. Thoughtful plans and practical solutions can help us avoid unnecessary frustrations in the long run. A realistic approach rather than blind optimism prepares us better for the tasks ahead and ensures the eventual attainment of the goals. 盲目乐观容易导致挫折。有时，我们被野心所支配时，会制定不现实或无法实现的目标。当目标超过了我们的能力，就会使得我们感觉气馁受挫并由此放弃目标。因此为了达到预期的结果，我们需要认识到成功路上存在着严重的障碍和陷阱。深思熟虑的计划和实际的解决方法可以帮助我们在一路上避免不必要的挫折。一个现实的方法而不是盲目乐观让我们为前方的任务准备更加充分并且保证最终目标的实现。