I was re-reading Warbreaker, and I just realized what it is I like so much about Brandon Sanderson's work. I don't know if it is a belief he personally holds, but his work sure makes it look like he believes in the inherent goodness of mankind.
Even The Lord Ruler was doing what he saw as good. (Granted, his perceptions were quite twisted by Ruin, but the point remains.) Even Susebron who is initially made out to be a tyrant turns out to be a good man. Then there's Vasher (great anti-hero material there) who you can't decide if he's good or bad until nearly the end of the book when it turns out even he is trying to do good. Even Denth has a good man trapped deep inside him, he's just lost his way. (Granted most of these perceptions are from Warbreaker, but it's the one I'm reading, now). To move on to other books, look at Hrathen who represents the bad guys. He did what was right in the end.
I've always believed in the inherent goodness in man, and it brightens my day to read good fiction from an author that apparently believes the same. Especially since I paradoxically like dark subject matter. I love the dark feel to his books (which is probably my biggest regret with Warbreaker. The world is too bright and shiny.)