Most smiles start with another smile. The classic Hoptimist is the epitome of smiles, optimism and good mood, and with its bright, happy colours and round, harmonious expressions, it spreads joy wherever it ends up. With a strong belief in the power of the smile, Gustav Ehrenreich created his happy Hoptimist movement in the late 1960s. The goal was to create a figure that was a perpetual reminder to remain positive and optimistic. Because although the 1960s are often referred to as "the happy 60s", the decade was characterized by unrest. Therefore, Ehrenreich's design was a welcome spreader of joy in an otherwise turbulent time.