Wishful thinking
Meaning
The belief that something desired will happen, despite a lack of evidence or strong reasons for it to do so.
Origin
The human tendency to believe what one wants to be true, regardless of evidence, is as old as humanity itself. However, the precise phrase "wishful thinking" truly entered widespread English lexicon and academic discourse in the early 20th century, largely popularized by the Austrian psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. Freud's groundbreaking theories, particularly those exploring the unconscious mind and the psychological mechanisms of desire and belief, articulated this concept compellingly. In works like "The Future of an Illusion" (1927), Freud examined how deep-seated wishes could shape our perceptions and beliefs, especially in areas like religion and fantasy. His profound influence cemented "wishful thinking" as a succinct and widely understood term to describe this powerful, often self-deceptive, psychological phenomenon.
Examples
- His plan to win the lottery without buying a ticket was pure wishful thinking.
- She kept hoping the meeting would be cancelled at the last minute, but everyone knew that was just wishful thinking.