+313 Pessimism actually makes sense; you'd be happier if the outcome of something is what you wanted but did not expect, and you wouldn't be so sad if the outcome is what you expected but did not want because you were mentally prepared for the worst to begin with, amirite?

by Anonymous 12 years ago

That's been my rationale for years. 

by Anonymous 12 years ago

except when pessimism makes it so that good scenario happens less often. for example, if someone was expecting to fail a test, they may not study or try as hard

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I think this way with exams. I always think "ok, I revised hard, but the exam was really bad, I probably got a C" and then if I get that grade, fine was expecting it (like with my maths GCSE, which I'm just happy I passed), but then I could be genuinely surprised. I always think negative until proven otherwise.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

But when you're optimistic you don't let the outcome bring you down. You stay positive, maybe learn a lesson, and keep hoping for the best.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I second this, if you're pessimistic, then you probably won't appreciate a good outcome and think that something bad will happen anytime soon to ruin it and it won't happen, but you still won't be happy.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

You have a very optimistic view of pessimism... were you going for irony?

by Anonymous 12 years ago

That's not pessimism... pes·si·mism/ˈpesəˌmizəm/Noun 1. A tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen; a lack of hope or confidence in the future. Pessimists are never satisfied with anything because they see the worst in EVERYTHING. It doesn't matter what hand you're dealt, you're still going to remain in a shitty frame of mind. Optimism makes sense because you look for the best and the good things. I.E A pessimistic worker will hate his/her job and consequently their work life. An optimistic worker will look for ways to improve the situation and end up living a happier life. Unless you WANT to live life unhappily, then go ahead--pessimism is for you. But because I don't think you want that--I think you believe that you just shouldn't have high expectations which makes sense--but nobody on this site really seems to be able to differentiate.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Exactly! It's kind of silly when people are always negative so they won't get disappointed. Basically all they're saying is that "Always being disappointed=never being disappointed". Meanwhile, optimists can try harder and succeed more while still being able to work with what they have!

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I prefer realism, you see things how they are.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I think we shouldn't expect to do our best and we will be surprised but there is no need to be peptimistic , therefor I agree with what you are saying but its not petimistic so find a better word?

by Anonymous 12 years ago

the 'theory' was always "expect the worst from life" which merely means:Life sucks. And for that reason you should enjoy it most because it is obviously not going to get any better so why waist your time being foolish and wanting vain things you cannot have. You are here, you are going to be here for a while, why make it more miserable and just enjoy yourself and the company of others. oh, and contrary to the popular optimistic view ' life is too short to be anything but happy' Life is short, so you should experience everything you possibly can, it makes you more mature. If you haven't experienced hardships (which is rare, though some more than others) you are emotionally immature. I want everything out of life: its pain, its love,with all the other cliche stuff that I cannot bother to list. This is my official optimistic view on pessimism that no one will probably care about.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Easier way of putting it: You're either right or pleasantly surprised. But I like this view.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

but in optimism, no matter how bad the outcome is in the end, you find something to feel happy about so OPTIMISM FTW

by Anonymous 12 years ago

It's really starting to tick me off that people NEVER use the search before they post something. It's really not that hard. I posted this exact same thought a while ago: http://www.amirite.net/204965

by Anonymous 12 years ago

Even if this were the correct use of "pessimism" you'd still be unhappy most of the time. Wouldn't it be better to be let down for a moment than to be a negative nancy all the time?

by Anonymous 12 years ago

I see your point, but that's the reason the phrase "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" was invented.

by Anonymous 12 years ago

its called being Negative..pessimism is different.

by Anonymous 12 years ago