In the book "Shōgun" by James Clavell, the author highlights the natural tendency of the human mind to gravitate towards negative thoughts. Left unchecked, our thoughts can lead us into a cycle of despair, pulling us deeper into unhappiness. This insight suggests that negativity is an easy default state for our minds if we do not actively engage with our thoughts.

Contrastingly, Clavell emphasizes that cultivating positive thoughts demands conscious effort and discipline. It implies that to maintain a happier and more fulfilling mindset, one must actively choose to focus on and cultivate optimistic perspectives. This approach requires a deliberate shift in thinking to combat the innate inclination toward negativity.