Even in economics, optimism is needed

Inflation is rising, salaries are not and therefore wallets are emptying. This could be the summary of the economic situation we are experiencing. And yet, we learn from the media, investments in the stock market are increasing, as are speculations on raw materials and energy resources of all kinds. Just as the proposals for making profits on the stock markets in a few minutes thanks to your smartphone are growing, especially online. Or the offers of miracle recipes by alleged gurus of the financial sector, willing to give us - for a fee, of course - their secret to easy wealth.

In short, even in economics there is no shortage of vultures, especially when things don't work. Another awareness to acquire is that in general we Italians know very little about economics and finance . Certainly it is up to technicians and experts first of all to think about how to deal with economic issues. This does not mean that we citizens should ignore the matter. In fact, we believe that in the economic field we must establish some fixed points for the future. The first is to finally understand that the economy is everyone's business, as the etymology of the word reminds us, which comes from the union of the Greek words oikos, "house" and nomos, "norm" or "law". Literally, economics therefore means "house management". And how do you best manage a house? By collaborating all together, taking its management to heart. Furthermore, paying attention to expenses and trying to improve the living conditions of those who live there as much as possible, without taking too many risks, so as to avoid endangering the survival of the house itself and its inhabitants. In short, we need that common sense that has often been lacking recently if we only look at the economic crises of recent decades. In economics, however, we also need to change our attitude and focus more on optimism.

This is explained to us in the beautiful essay by economist Luciano Canova entitled precisely "Economics of Optimism" (il Saggiatore, 2025, pp. 208, also e-book). The volume offers, in fact, an important reflection on the importance of a vision full of confidence towards the future , highlighting the crucial role of optimism and positive thinking in the history of economic thought and its relevance for our present and our planet.

Luciano Canova, however, does not only propose a theoretical approach to economic issues. He offers, first of all, a pragmatic analysis of human choices and their consequences . In fact, as the innovations of the twentieth century demonstrate, it is only when we commit ourselves to positively modifying reality that we can achieve lasting improvements for all. How true this is is clear for all to see, according to Luciano Canova. Observing the current world, despite the inequalities and crises that afflict it, we can still note significant progress compared to fifty years ago: a drastic reduction in infant mortality, a constant increase in literacy rates and a general decrease in poverty. Canova criticizes both nostalgic thinking, which tends to idealize the past, and apocalyptic thinking, which focuses on a gloomy future. On the contrary, he invites us to look with confidence at the economic tools currently in use to guide the world towards greater environmental sustainability and social peace. With an approach that crosses economics, behavioral sciences, and psychology, and drawing on the thinking of Nobel Prize winners Esther Duflo and Amartya Sen, as well as the studies of Paul Romer and Erik Angner, this book encourages us to consciously take small risks, to innovate, to embrace uncertainty, and to manage the unexpected. At the same time, it warns us to remain vigilant against the danger of excessive self-confidence and cognitive deceptions that lead us to ignore problems until they become insurmountable.

In short, Canova's is a personal and original perspective that, while not minimizing the serious current challenges - starting with climate change - firmly reiterates that only by recognizing these problems and looking ahead with optimism will we be able to identify creative and truly effective solutions. There is little point in feeling sorry for ourselves: we might as well throw our heart over the obstacle.