This book is begging to have an essay written about it comparing it to Eastern modes of thought, especially those found in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism. In fact, many of the major ideas seem heavily influence by Eastern mysticism (or general mysticism; most of the world's religious mystics share certain aspects with Eastern mysticism). The center of this comparison would have to be the interplay of attachment and desire.
In Berlant's point of view, the dichotomy of optimism and pessimism is essentially rooted in a false pretense. Optimism in her point of view basically says, "I believe life is good and I will generally get what I want." Pessimism says, "I believe life is essentially suffering and chaos, and there is no reason to believe I will get what I want." The false pretense shared by both is the judgment of life and the question of desire.
Consider Lord Krishna's teaching from Bhagavad Gita. When Arjuna the prophet is called to do battle against his own extended family, the god visits him in a series of visions and teaches the philosophical reasons to do one's duty without becoming attached whatsoever to the outcome of one's actions. That is not precisely what Berlant is teaching, but the same psychological aspect is being noticed in both places. Also, consider Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching, which says, "The world is already perfect as it is. What would you possibly think of changing?"
