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Tatsumi · 31-35, M
Realist, which is strikingly similar to pessimism.
"Finally, the optimist’s impatience with or condemnation of pessimism often has a smug macho tone to it (although males have no monopoly of it). There is a scorn for the perceived weakness of the pessimist who should instead ‘grin and bear it’. This view is defective for the same reason that macho views about other kinds of suffering are defective. It is an indifference to or inappropriate denial of suffering, whether one’s own or that of others. The injunction to ‘look on the bright side’ should be greeted with a large dose of both scepticism and cynicism. To insist that the bright side is always the right side is to put ideology before the evidence.
Every cloud, to change metaphors, may have a silver lining, but it may very often be the cloud rather than the lining on which one should focus if one is to avoid being drenched by self-deception. Cheery optimists have a much less realistic view of themselves than do those who are depressed."
-David Benetar
"Finally, the optimist’s impatience with or condemnation of pessimism often has a smug macho tone to it (although males have no monopoly of it). There is a scorn for the perceived weakness of the pessimist who should instead ‘grin and bear it’. This view is defective for the same reason that macho views about other kinds of suffering are defective. It is an indifference to or inappropriate denial of suffering, whether one’s own or that of others. The injunction to ‘look on the bright side’ should be greeted with a large dose of both scepticism and cynicism. To insist that the bright side is always the right side is to put ideology before the evidence.
Every cloud, to change metaphors, may have a silver lining, but it may very often be the cloud rather than the lining on which one should focus if one is to avoid being drenched by self-deception. Cheery optimists have a much less realistic view of themselves than do those who are depressed."
-David Benetar
Endlessecho · 22-25, M
I really don't like when people let their optimism blind them: I am simply hopeful and confident about the future. This doesn't mean I don't acknowledge the value that lies within experiencing suffering and I don't block it out. I am very realistic and pragmatic, yet I have a drive to create a better world and see opportunity in catastrophe. I am optimistic by that definition. I'm not a bystander, I don't simply hope for the best, I actually strive for the better, therein lies my optimism, I am an active optimist.
OWise1 · F
You are so right...Optimism often brings hope. :)
Endlessecho · 22-25, M
JohnOinger · 41-45, M