A hopeful disposition is not the sole qualification to be a prophet.
but a sanguine temper, though for ever expecting more good than occurs, does not always pay for its hopes by any proportionate depression. it soon flies over the present failure, and begins to hope again.
A lot of people tell me that my paintings are sad-looking, but they're actually more pensive than sad. They're very colorful and that says a lot about my disposition in life, how I'm very hopeful.
The trouble with traditional American conservatism is that it lacks a naturally cheerful, optimistic disposition. Not only does it lack one, it regards signs of one as evidence of unsoundness, irresponsibility.
Confidence is the mark of a hopeful disposition.
Being a cheerful hobbit, he had not needed hope, as long as despair could be postponed. (Of Sam)
He who has never hoped can never despair
