bhaskar saikia

Named after James Bond Stockdale, a U.S. Naval officer and the highest-ranking POW during the Vietnam War, the Stockdale Paradox highlights the perils of unchecked optimism. Captured in 1965, Stockdale endured seven and a half years of brutal captivity. During this time, he observed a striking pattern: the overly optimistic prisoners—those who clung to unrealistic hopes—were often the ones who didn’t survive.

They kept believing: “We’ll be out by Christmas.” But Christmas came and went. Then, “By Easter, we’ll be free.” Easter came and went. With each passing disappointment, they lost hope—until heartbreak claimed them.

Stockdale, however, balanced optimism with realism. He never doubted he would make it out alive, but he also confronted the harsh realities of his situation. This mindset helped him endure relentless torture until his release in 1973.

The lesson?

Optimism is vital, but so is realism. Believe in your dreams and abilities, but acknowledge the challenges ahead. Don’t be discouraged if success doesn’t arrive on your timeline—persevere.

A powerful example of perseverance is Sri Lankan cricketer Marvan Atapattu. Unlike many naturally gifted players, Atapattu’s career began disastrously. On his debut, he scored zero in both innings. Dropped. After 21 months, he got another chance—only to score zero and one. Dropped again. Another 17 months later, he returned, only to score another pair of zeros.

Three matches. Three years. One run. His critics dismissed him. His career, by all logic, was over.

But Atapattu refused to give up. He ignored the doubters and kept playing domestic cricket, knowing he had more to offer. Cricket was his calling, and he wasn’t willing to walk away. Years later, he earned another chance. This time, he seized it.

He went on to score over 5,000 Test runs, including 16 centuries and six double centuries, eventually captaining Sri Lanka’s national team.

The world had written him off, but persistence proved everyone wrong.

Stay hopeful, but be realistic. Keep pushing forward, even when success seems far away. The difference between failure and greatness is often perseverance and realistic optimism.