In "The Lost Art of Gratitude" by Alexander McCall Smith, the protagonist reflects on her interactions with others and acknowledges her tendency to trust too easily. She recognizes this naivety but grapples with the realization that adopting a cynical perspective could lead to a more guarded life. Despite understanding the risks of her trusting nature, she chooses to maintain her innocence rather than succumb to cynicism.
Ultimately, she believes that preserving a sense of optimism is preferable to becoming jaded. Embracing naivety allows for a more open-hearted existence, suggesting that while being cautious could offer protection, it might not be worth sacrificing the joy of genuine connections.