On the face of things, pessimism seems insightful.
The one who screams that the sky is falling usually seems right, because from time to time it rains or snows, depending on the part of the world you are.
However, on closer examination of the facts, the sky has never fallen, even with the worst of storms.
On the face of things, optimism seems naive.
The one who says come rain or shine, humankind moves forward, seems wrong, because from time to time the world stops, just like it did during the pandemic.
However, on closer examination of the facts, the world actually leaps forward, even with a pandemic.
It hurts more to be optimistic and wrong, than to be pessimistic and wrong. Optimisim does not reduce the pain of a punch in the face.
But it is more rewarding to be optimistic and right, than to be pessimistic and right. Pessimism does not save you from drowning with a sinking ship.
There is some nature and lots of nurture in our inclination to be optimistic or pessimistic, but observe the facts and see where it tilts you towards.
– Osasu Oviawe
