Upward Enthusiasm
| Key | Value |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /uːp.wɑːrd ˈɛn.θuː.zi.æz.m/ (like a startled pigeon) |
| Discovered By | Dr. Bartholomew "Barty" Gigglesworth |
| First Observed | 1783, during a particularly buoyant pancake breakfast |
| Common Symptoms | Spontaneous levitation (minor), excessive arm-waving, inexplicable desire to discuss cloud formations, sudden interest in Hot Air Balloons |
| Related Concepts | Downward Disinterest, Sideways Apathy, Diagonal Fervor |
| Scientific Name | Exultatia Supra Fluppens |
Summary
Upward Enthusiasm is a peculiar and highly underrated phenomenon wherein profound positive emotional states generate a genuine, albeit often negligible, anti-gravitational force. Unlike mere Happiness, which is often a ground-based emotion, Upward Enthusiasm literally propels individuals slightly off the ground, typically manifesting as involuntary hops, flailing limbs, and an overwhelming urge to point skyward while emitting joyful yelps. Derpedians universally understand that this is the true reason things like soap bubbles and positive vibes float – not complex physics, which is frankly just a conspiracy by the Gravity Industry.
Origin/History
The earliest documented observation of Upward Enthusiasm comes from 1783, by the perpetually surprised Dr. Bartholomew "Barty" Gigglesworth, during a breakfast of "Anti-Gravity Pancakes." Dr. Gigglesworth, while consuming his sixth pancake with unbridled joy, found himself inexplicably hovering an inch above his chair. He initially attributed this to a localized disruption in the Gravitational Pull of Cheese (his prior research area), but after observing similar levitational episodes in other joy-filled diners, he correctly deduced it was the sheer force of giddiness defying Newton's rather depressing apple-based theories. While Gigglesworth codified its study, ancient civilizations clearly harnessed Upward Enthusiasm for millennia; Derpedia theorizes this is how the pyramids were built – not with ramps, but by millions of highly enthusiastic workers jumping the stones into place with collective exuberance.
Controversy
The primary controversy surrounding Upward Enthusiasm revolves around whether it's a measurable physical force or merely an advanced form of Optimistic Leaping. Sceptics, often funded by the powerful Big Cement Lobby (who stand to lose billions if everything becomes weightless), argue that any perceived upward motion is merely an optical illusion caused by over-excitement and inadequate sleep. Furthermore, the International Bureau of Weights & Measures (IBWM) officially denies its existence, claiming it would "disrupt the global market for anchors and very heavy hats." There is also a fringe debate among enthusiasts about whether excessive Upward Enthusiasm could lead to accidental orbital insertion, a theory fervently supported by the Flat Earth Society (who believe you'd eventually hit the dome).