Do Pessimists Have Fun?
I say that, given the choice, optimism is better than pessimism in part because it is more fun. Recently, someone pointed out to me that pessimism can be fun too, but pessimits can’t admit it.
Sunday, August 20th, 2006 at 6:24 pm ◊ Comment or trackback◊ Send this post to someone who will thank you for it »
◊ Filed in: Life's Lessons
August 20th, 2006 at 6:48 pm
Optimists probably have more fun, because they’re naturally happier people. I’m fond of the saying, “it’s not what happens to you, it’s how you choose to think about it and react to it.” Life has its ups and downs for all of us, but when you’re a pessimist, everything seems darker and wounds more deeply. Optimists bounce back because they’re able to look on the proverbial bright side. And when things are going well, they can enjoy them rather than looking for something in the situation to feel negative about.
August 21st, 2006 at 8:51 am
Off course pessimists have fun! What can be more fun than bursting another’s bubble, firehosing new ideas, and gleefully stomping out little sparks of enthusiasm before they have the chance to ignite?
I’d think that’d be a blast!
But then, I’m an optimist.
August 21st, 2006 at 9:20 am
Steve — I think you just proved the point! One has to be optimistic to admit that pessimism could be fun!
Alexandra — that was well said. I’m a fan of Martin Seligman’s “Learned Optimism” and I think that he would agree also.