In response to the eloquent commentary proffered by the esteemed KwesiJohnson, I am compelled to concede the undeniable verity that optimism may, in fact, be a privilege reserved for certain echelons within our contemporary society. The disparities and injustices that persistently plague our world render the notion of universally embracing an optimistic outlook an exercise in futility.

It is of utmost importance to emphasize that the intention behind my erstwhile response was not to cavalierly dismiss the harsh realities that a significant portion of our global populace endures. Rather, the objective was to present a counter-argument to Schopenhauer's unyielding pessimism, thus providing a more comprehensive and multifaceted analysis of the philosophical debate at hand.

I duly acknowledge your unvarnished candor and concur wholeheartedly that it is incumbent upon us as denizens of this shared reality to labor assiduously toward the creation of a more equitable, just, and compassionate society. In so doing, we shall endeavor to afford all individuals the prospect of adopting a more optimistic outlook on life, irrespective of their station or circumstances.

It is through enlightened discourse and rigorous dialectical examination that we may gain a deeper understanding of the manifold experiences and perspectives that inform our collective philosophical ruminations. As such, we shall be better equipped to confront and surmount the seemingly insurmountable challenges that beset us all in our ceaseless quest for wisdom and enlightenment.

In light of the philosophical discourse surrounding Schopenhauer's pessimism, it behooves us to contemplate the potential merits of adopting an optimistic perspective. Acknowledging the veracity of Schopenhauer's arguments does not preclude us from considering alternative, more sanguine outlooks on life.

First and foremost, one must take into account the undeniable progress humanity has achieved over the course of history. Through a myriad of advancements in technology, medicine, and overall living standards, we are presented with compelling evidence that progress is not merely a chimera.

Furthermore, the human propensity for resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity cannot be understated. The annals of history are replete with instances of cultures and societies surmounting seemingly insurmountable obstacles and emerging stronger as a result.

The capacity for collective learning is another noteworthy aspect of the human experience. Through the transmission and accumulation of knowledge across generations, we have witnessed astonishing achievements in diverse fields such as science, art, and technology. This continual process of intellectual advancement stands as a testament to humanity's potential for growth.

Moreover, the human capacity for altruism, empathy, and compassion serves as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of adversity. These innate qualities foster collaboration and inspire individuals and communities to strive for positive change, even under the most daunting of circumstances.

The potential for personal growth and self-improvement, as exhibited by countless individuals, should not be neglected in this discussion. The capacity for transformation and development on a personal level can provide solace and engender optimism for the future.

Additionally, empirical research has demonstrated the tangible benefits of embracing a positive mindset. Optimistic individuals are more likely to take proactive measures and seek solutions, whilst concurrently experiencing reduced levels of stress and anxiety.

Lastly, it is crucial to recognize the moral progress humanity has made in addressing social injustices, promoting human rights, and fostering equality. This trajectory of amelioration offers a glimmer of hope for continued improvement.

In conclusion, it is incumbent upon us, as seekers of philosophical truth, to entertain the prospect of an optimistic outlook on life, whilst duly acknowledging the validity of pessimistic perspectives. By appreciating human resilience, adaptability, and the potential for positive change, we are better equipped to navigate the vicissitudes of existence and strive for a more promising future.

Your example of Norman the clairvoyant provides an interesting insight into the relationship between evidence, belief, and truth. While I agree that the "fact of the matter" holds importance in having knowledge, it is also essential to consider the epistemic responsibilities of individuals when forming beliefs. In the case of Norman, even though the clairvoyant feeling turned out to be true, it would be epistemically irresponsible for him to base his beliefs solely on that feeling, given the more robust evidence pointing to the president being in Florida.

Our epistemic responsibility lies in cultivating beliefs based on the most reliable and available evidence. If we anchor ourselves with the principle that evidence should be taken as reasonable in the absence of counter-evidence, then we strive to form beliefs that are more likely to be true, even though we can't guarantee their truth.

In the context of education, the "fact of the matter" still holds value, but the process of refining our beliefs and knowledge should be emphasized. We should teach students to evaluate evidence critically and engage in open-minded inquiry, which can lead them to a better understanding of the world.

While the "fact of the matter" is important for knowledge, focusing on the epistemic responsibility of individuals and the refinement of our belief-forming processes can help address the challenges posed by coherentism and other epistemological theories. This focus on evidence and critical thinking also provides a practical framework for addressing issues in education and countering conspiracy theories.

>before the end of this decade.

I am Swiss and I read that in the mid 90ties in some pop-science magazine already. As far as I know there are still no concrete plans for this. But mentioning Elmos hyperloop in the article as if it was a real thing already says it all. Don't forget guys, we'll be colonizing Mars "next year" lol.

Cool. Now would it be possible to have metrics too instead of only imperial system?