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What was to become the Optimist Creed was authored in 1912 by Christian D. Larson, appearing in his book Your Forces and How to Use Them. It was adopted as Optimist International's creed in 1922.
Christian D. Larson was an outstanding and highly influential New Thought leader and teacher as well as a prolific writer of New Thought books. He believed that people have tremendous latent powers, which could be harnessed for success with the proper attitude. He exercised considerable influence over Religious Science founder, Ernest Holmes, in his early career.
Larson, in his book, Your Forces and How to Use Them, entitled Chapter I, "The Ruling Principle of Man". The opening words of this chapter begin with what we have come to call the Optimist Creed.
For more information concerning Christian D. Larson, and his philosophy, and/or read the full-text of his book, check out Larson's website .
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Promise yourself ...
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticise others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear; and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
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