Monday 13 July 2020

On Optimism and Pessimism

I view “optimism” and “pessimism” as “isms” or philosophies. Optimism is the philosophy of the feeble-brained Pollyanna who believes that all problems, big or small, are mere blips and that in the long run things will turn out to be just fine. Pessimism is the philosophy of men with practical experience who understand that the world is a hard place and that if they do not conduct themselves with wisdom and care, they will make bad choices and their life will be ruined. Optimism turns a man towards utopianism and liberalism; pessimism turns a man towards conservatism and republicanism.

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