Ask Polly

Ask Polly

Share this post

Ask Polly
Ask Polly
On Pragmatic Exuberance
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More

On Pragmatic Exuberance

How to encourage joy while also anticipating big mistakes, bad moods, and heartache.

Heather Havrilesky
Jun 06, 2024
∙ Paid
73

Share this post

Ask Polly
Ask Polly
On Pragmatic Exuberance
Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More
3
7
Share
Maverick (1969) by Dorothea Tanning

One of the most difficult challenges of being alive is managing a balance between high expectations and realism, idealism and forgiveness for big flaws, optimism and acceptance of whatever comes next.

I like to think of this balance as pragmatic exuberance. You can see yourself and the world clearly and you recognize bo…

This post is for paid subscribers

Already a paid subscriber? Sign in
© 2025 Heather Havrilesky
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start writingGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture

Share

Copy link
Facebook
Email
Notes
More