'Powerfully inspiring ' GUARDIAN
'A timely message for today's society' JIM AL-KHALILI
'An expansive tour de force' OBSERVER

The Bright Side makes a vital and transformative new argument: that optimism is not only the natural state of humanity, but an essential one. Without optimism, we would never have survived the unpredictable and hostile world we evolved into - and it will be critical in overcoming the challenges of the twenty-first century.

In this book, astrophysicist-turned-journalist Sumit Paul-Choudhury offers practical suggestions on what it really takes to be an optimist today, providing a powerful manifesto for hope and a much-needed new perspective. He shows how, by embracing action, imagination and possibility, we can find a path to the bright side, even when the future seems dark.

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 * * Observer * *
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 * * Guardian * *
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 -- JIM AL-KHALILI, author and broadcaster
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 -- DANIEL H. PINK, #1 New York Times bestselling author of DRIVE and THE POWER OF REGRET
[An] all-embracing book about optimism and how effective it can be * * Mail on Sunday * *
[A] hymn to positivity, though fear not: it's not a self-help book and there is more to it than platitudes about manifesting and living your best life. His reading, like his writing, is thoughtful and pragmatic. [ . . . ]To consciously see brightness and opportunity rather than misery and calamity, Paul-Choudhury asserts, is to ultimately invest in one's future and bring about change. -- 'Audiobook of the Week' * * Guardian * *
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 -- CATHY RENTZENBRINK, author of THE LAST ACT OF LOVE
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 -- ROBERT WALDINGER, bestselling co-author of THE GOOD LIFE
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 -- DAVID ROBSON, author of THE EXPECTATION EFFECT
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 -- DR MICHAEL BROOKS, author of THE ART OF MORE

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