What is the origin of the idiom "wishful thinking" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "wishful thinking" can be traced back to the early 19th century. The combination of the words "wish" and "thinking" formed a phrase that encapsulated the human tendency to engage in hopeful or fanciful thoughts that may not align with reality. Over time, the phrase has become a commonly used expression to describe the act of holding optimistic beliefs or desires without a solid foundation in evidence or probability.