Researchers at Duke say their study looks at the behavior of “optimistic” people versus “extremely optimistic” people, and finds that, according to this web site story, “People who are extremely optimistic tend to have short planning horizons and act in ways generally not considered wise.” Curiously, the behaviors they associate with “extreme optimists” are as follows:
In comparison, extreme optimists:
• Work significantly fewer hours;
• Hold a higher proportion of individual stocks in their portfolios, and are more likely to be day traders;
• Save less money;
• Are less likely to pay off their credit card balances on a regular basis;
• Are more likely to smoke.
That’s not “extreme optimism.” It’s irresponsible behavior.
