Life has its ups and downs. A series of adverse events can drive one into a pessimistic mindset and depression. Modern psychology has developed simple tools to respond to adverse events to keep one from falling into depression and to help them become increasingly resilient.

Bill Farmer has followed his interests throughout his life and career, which has led to a non-linear existence. Among his various experiences are studying for the priesthood, being a naval reservist, becoming a conscientious objector, spending a decade as an actor and improv comedian, returning to college as an adult, working as a research engineer in Japan, serving as a high-technology corporate executive, working as a corporate consultant, and teaching as a university professor.

He is also a recovering pessimist and is here today to tell us about his conversion to optimism and how he values optimism as a core ingredient of his personal well-being. Bill Farmer shares the story of his recovery from depression and what he has learned about using optimism as a crucial tool for weathering adverse events. We are meeting in the Jefferson Room upstairs.