Optimism v. Pessimism?

Question

It seems to me that it's better to be a pessimist than an optimist because an optimist is always disappointed while a pessimist who expects the worst always get pleasant surprises when the worst doesn't happen. Am I wrong? Also, which one is more realistic?

Answer 1

Actually, that is a pessimistic view of optimism. There is an implied belief that whatever happens will be "bad". I am aware of psychological and medical research that indicates that those with a more positive attitude tend to be happier. For example, in terms of illness, when one approaches it with the belief and attitude that they will recover and that they can trust the doctor, not only do they recover, but in a faster time than estimated.

From another perspective, how often is a pessimist not disappointed? In other words, if one expects the worse and is not disappointed, then what? Not too happy, are you? Furthermore, if the optimist is not disappointed, then they are likely happy and probably pleasantly surprised. The optimist is also likely to see an unfortunate situation or disappointment as an opportunity to turn it around into something positive.

Whether or not one or the other is "realistic" is the wrong kind of question. It is likely that a "realist" is neither pessimistic nor optimistic. They try to see things as they truly are without too much projection of pessimism or optimism.

The fantasy about pessimists is that they think they are realistic, but they are not. Their judgment is clouded or colored by the pessimistic attitude. Same goes for the optimist.

Lastly, the deeper problem in terms of either of these attitudes (and especially pessimism) is that there is expectation in the first place. If one approaches life phenomena without expectation that it will be any different that what it already is, then one is never disappointed. Disappointment by definition requires a certain expectation. Granted, to live life in this way is not easy since we as human beings (at least I do) tend to assume that we need to have expectations. But, then that's another topic all together.

Answer 2

It all depends on how you view it. It's true an optimist gets dissapointed whereas the pessimist doesn't. I actually sometimes believe in this when I'm about to get jobs in the Film industry, which lets you down a lot. However, can you really live without knowing dissapointment. I mean, yeah sure, it sucks and it can hurt you, but you can also come out as a stronger person. I guess it's a catch 22...

I don't think either way is wrong. It's whatever you want to believe in. They both are realistic. It's just how you view life.

Answer 3

According to systems theories, a life structure is far removed from thermodynamic equilibrium. Strong feedback loops bring about a self-amplification that heightens the energy state of the structure allowing eventual sensory and other reactions to 'raise up' consciousness. This heightened state creates a certain joy as well as pain; optimism and pessimism, etc.

Without this heightened energy we would not be what we are. To my mind optimism is linked to this heightened energy. It is part of the fundamental foundation of motivaton. For good health I think there needs to be a proportional balance between optimism and pessimism. But optimism should have a proportional edge. It does not need to be a huge edge which will be too unbalanced. It needs to be the right edge. A little extra optimism that is temepered by realsitic pessimism is essential for leadership. A leader requires a little extra energy and a little extra optimism to inspire and lift people up toward and through a new horizon, change, tragedy, disappointment, etc. I think too much pessimism ruins motivation and depresses the whole system. But if one's expectations are not realistic, then optimism will be repeatedly dashed until a correct proportional relationship has been found. Without optimism we might be too passive and allow too many opportunities to pass by. We also create many of our hopes and expectations. If we are too pessimistic we won't make the effort.

I am not an either/or sort of person. But in this case, a healthy state means to me that optimism has a slight - but qualitative - edge over pessimism.

B. Lyons

Answer 4

I believe an optimistic outlook is better, because optimists tend to be generally nicer to be around.

In addition, a pessimist who is proven wrong just looks for the black lining in the silver cloud. An optimist who is proven wrong looks for the silver lining in the black cloud. Therefore, even though an optimist might be disappointed, they are continually looking for the good in events and in people, where the pessimist is only looking to see the bad. Not a good sign!

Eternal optimism is also not necessarily the best way - you do need to be prepared for failure or disappointment, but looking for and waiting for it is not good. It leads to heart attacks.

So - plan for the best, prepare for the worst. Be both an optimist (because you did things right!) but have a bit of pessimism (because the roof could fall in!).

Answer 5

You say that a Pessimist 'always gets pleasant surprises', this makes you an Optimist. I think it makes you an Optimist in denial! - You've been hurt and now you have got your guard up, but your optimistic self is fighting through. - You don't need confirmation from strangers on this site, you know that good will always win in the end.

Answer 6

It's good to have a healthy balance of both. I tend to be an optomistic pessimist. In order to hope for the best, you have to try to put yourself in a favorable position. Being a pure pessimist is a recipe for mental disaster and pure frustration. Even the things that turn out good, you will find fault in.

Being a pure optimist isn't really healthy either. You will get kicked around and turn most people off with the Pollyanna attitude. Being cordial, friendly, and hopeful for the best is usually the best policy. Just being generally optimistic in this crazy world will keep you well-adjusted and balanced.

Answer 7

As an optimist, I can tell you that I am NOT more disappointed by life. I see each problem as a learning tool and a way to better myself.
Whenever something doesn't go right, I'm late getting somewhere, or something doesn't turn out the way I would like, I chalk it up to learning a new way to cope, to start earlier, to think that perhaps whatever I wanted maybe wasn't right for my life at the present time.
Example: I wanted to be in the desert for the winter. Our RV broke down in Wyoming. We decided to come back to Wisconsin for the winter. I look at this experience as a way to become better acquainted with my husbands boys and their gf's/wives. We had the fun experience of staying in a motel for a few days. We still were able to have some fun along the way and back. We will now be able to get the RV in top working order by next winter.
Turning negatives into positives makes me an optimist. It's not a matter of being realistic. It's a matter of making up your mind to not let "normal" occurrances get you down.

Answer 8

I totally agree!!! I've always thought that pessimism acts as a safety net as you don't expect much to happen and when it does you get to enjoy the happy moment more as it is completely unexpected!! Now, as to your second question; neither is realistic enough on its own. I mean optimism when everything seems to lead to disaster surely doesn't help! And pessimism when things are finally going well is not good either since it does not let you enjoy your so hard won happiness. So, I would personally suggest a balance between the two.

Answer 9

Hi.
Myself I am a pessimist. Don't know why but I am.
I hate it, coz I learned that our deepest fears usually happen.
For some years now I have been able to look after what I think and about the way I think, and it has changed me to a point that I feel more confortable with myself now.
And I am educating my sons to pay attention to what they say and to how they think.

Optimism is a positive expectation, or better, expecting something positive. And that is what I should expect, but most of the times I have to do things myself coz delegating always ends up totaly wrongly done, improperly done or not done at all.

I researched for more than 12.000 hours now and I found out that the mind, not the brain, functions with images and it is not prepared to work with counter-images. Let's say that I think: ''Later, I must not forget to go to Post.''
Here the image we send to our mind is as to forget because the counter-image is not-forget. So, I forget to go there. The mind doesn't compute the NOTs and assumes the images positively.

An optimist would say ''Later, I have to remember to go to Post''. And usually he goes there.

I do not really know if I answered your question. But at least you have something to consider regarding your uncertainty.

Answer 10

well if you expect the worst i guess you will be prepared for anything, but an optimist is always looking to get the best out of something. Personally I prefer optimism. But then again it all depends on what kind of person you are.