between pessimism and optimism, which one do you think is "better" in terms of living? I'd prefer not to elaborate on the question so as not to make it one sided, it's vague for a reason.

I'd say a mix with a tilt more toward pessimism is better. I wouldn't say total pessimism would be best, because then the person might become despondent and just give up. But it's good to realize the realistic aspects of life rather than construct false good out of bad i think.

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I understand what you saying about pessimism. But as much reality pessimism might bang into the someone's life. There obviously needs to be some degree of optimistic to press forward. If you dissect the term optimism, you're bound to get some form of "hope" in it. Everyone needs some degree of hope, to press forward. Even the smallest and trivial activities in life require some degree of hope. Lets taking brushing your teeth for example. If you had no hint of optimism or hope that brushing would actually help keep your teeth healthy and clean, would you do it? If you examine the things we do in life carefully, you're bound to find some hint of hope in it. In light of this, I agree with you there pyscho. There needs to be a mix. But rather than a tilt towards pessimism, I believe one is better off with a little more optimism. [ A little pessimism to bring your dreams down to reality, and a little more optimism to keep you striving for more. ]

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Last edited by merc on 01-29-2003 at 10:14 PM

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quote:

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Originally posted by merc
I understand what you saying about pessimism. But as much reality pessimism might bang into the someone's life. There obviously needs to be some degree of optimistic to press forward. If you dissect the term optimism, you're bound to get some form of "hope" in it. Everyone needs some degree of hope, to press forward. Even the smallest and trivial activities in life require some degree of hope. Lets taking brushing your teeth for example. If you had no hint of optimism or hope that brushing would actually help keep your teeth healthy and clean, would you do it? If you examine the things we do in life carefully, you're bound to find some hint of hope in it. In light of this, I agree with you there pyscho. There needs to be a mix. But rather than a tilt towards pessimism, I believe one is better off with a little more optimism. [ A little pessimism to bring your dreams down to reality, and a little more optimism to keep to striving for more. ]

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Is it actually necessary to be a pessimist or an optimist? I find that I am usually neither. If a situation presents itself where I can either hope for the worst or hope for the best, I tend to base my judgements over what makes more sense.

I find it pointless to be optimistic and hope for more than what you see, unless of course you have good reason to hope for that. When you hope for something that's obviously not going to be there, then you're setting yourself up for disappointment. And optimism in the sense of being positive at all times is just as pointless, you're lieing to yourself.

I find it equally pointless to be pessimistic, because only looking at the negative in things is also a way of lieing to yourself.

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I didn't bother to read any posts and I probably should have... buh I think optimism is the best way to live. Why would anyone wanna do something, live longer, etc. if they always see the bad outcome of things? I wouldn't wanna do anything if I was a pessimist. How I speak and how I put it might be very naive. I just find optimism to be much better. It all comes with confidence, self-esteem, and the motion to move on.

Don't get me wrong, optimism can be very misleading... let's say optimism with realistic ideas is the best!

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