Optimist Or Pessimist?

Discussion in 'Philosophy & Psychology' started by Frank Sanoica, Jan 4, 2018.

  1. Neville Telen

    Neville Telen Veteran Member
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    Pessimist. Probably because of a hard life, most of which was spent on the proverbial 'wrong side of the tracks', where optimist/idealist drivel is soon enough laid to rest, rose-coloured glasses are shattered, and blinders are ripped away by a double-dose of harsh reality.
     
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  2. Ken Anderson

    Ken Anderson Senior Staff
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    Pessimists can be pleasantly surprised, while optimists set themselves up for disappointment.
     
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  3. Bobby Cole

    Bobby Cole Supreme Member
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    True but doesn’t a pessimist balk at trying because he knows it’s for naught?
    On a positive note; For me, it’s always about success and perchance the goal isn’t attained, the lesson learned is always an asset.
     
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  4. Frank Sanoica

    Frank Sanoica Supreme Member
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    @Bobby Cole
    Nah, not at all! I am a terrible pessimist, and yet have set my mind to succeed in a variety of endeavors, and did so. But, that occasional intrusion was always there to support my pessimism.
    Frank
     
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  5. Neville Telen

    Neville Telen Veteran Member
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    What's that old saying...something like 'He who expects nothing is never disappointed, but sometimes pleasantly surprised'?
     
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  6. Bobby Cole

    Bobby Cole Supreme Member
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    Unfortunately, Murphy’s law does exist and is living well in the very hearts and minds of men. Fortunately for me, the knowledge of having the ability to fail is a successful endeavor unto itself. A person who doesn’t expect misfortune cannot truly appreciate his fortune once he’s found it.

    Call it: huh? What did he just say?
     
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  7. Neville Telen

    Neville Telen Veteran Member
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    As a pessimist, I do balk at longshots, and where the odds are definitely stacked against me. I think it's more a matter of hope for the best, but expect (and be prepared for) the worst case scenario.
     
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  8. Frank Sanoica

    Frank Sanoica Supreme Member
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    @Bobby Cole
    Ummm......Who?
     
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  9. Frank Sanoica

    Frank Sanoica Supreme Member
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    He who.....................

    Who he.........................
     
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  10. Bobby Cole

    Bobby Cole Supreme Member
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    I be he...
     
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  11. Shirley Martin

    Shirley Martin Supreme Member
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  12. Frank Sanoica

    Frank Sanoica Supreme Member
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    @Shirley Martin

    Stuck on masculinity.......

    Frank
     
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  13. Martin Alonzo

    Martin Alonzo Supreme Member
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    There is one way to find out very fast. Tell the person I hope you get what you deserve. An optimist will say good it is about time. The pessimist will look worried and say I hope not.
     
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  14. Hal Pollner

    Hal Pollner Veteran Member
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    It's been about 3 years since I had an eye exam...guess I'll be making an appointment with my Optimist.

    HAL
     
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  15. Nancy Hart

    Nancy Hart Veteran Member
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    I don't think I'm either a pessimist or an optimist. Try to make choices based on how likely I think various outcomes are, and how serious the worst possible outcome is. If something good (or bad) happens, most times I think it's just good (or bad) luck. Although you might have runs of good and bad luck at times, I think it tends to even out in the long run.
     
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    Last edited: Sep 24, 2018

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