I believe in our modern day we see pessimism in developed countries more often then in developing country and this is a paradox. Normally you would think that they should be sad and pessimistic and have no inspiration to do anything but they are hard working for every single day, always smiling and open, ready to share their last meal with someone who is hungry and at the end when you ask then if they happy they say : of course I am happy. Our western society have everything in excess that is why we are almost bored do not have any stimulus, we know that we will have our food, social help and medical service and even then we see so many people suffering on depression and pessimism.
I agree with you, we can help then if they ready for that without their wish you can’t break through that think wall there always will be some reason why the person would be not happy to do this or that. That is like with the head against the wall. Like your article that usually lighten ups a good discussion :)