In optimistic defiant defense of pessimism
When someone says, “No, that won’t work”, they’re blessing you with a gift from heaven. But why be such a fervent proponent of the pessimists? One of the most toxic things you can do for a friend is “support” them. If you support your friends, you’re slowly killing them. And you should stop doing it. Stop hurting them by trying not to hurt them. I feel like I’m insane for even suggesting this.
Everyone wants to be an optimist, but nobody wants to fight in the trenches of pessimism. Pessimism is fuel. When you’re improperly optimistic, it’s because you’re out of touch with reality. You live in a dream world. When catastrophe strikes, what will you do then? What you need is a dose of pessimism. The moment you cut yourself off from negativity, because “you don’t need that in your life”, you’re no longer taking your medicine. Now the ride you’re on has you. You’re in spiritual Russia. You are at the mercy of where it takes you because you’re not willing to consider getting off the ride.
But you also know what I’m saying can’t be true. If you’re pretty sure life won’t get any better, it probably won’t. When you see successful people, are they pessimists? How can any pessimist expect to be successful? You’re right. They can’t. Pessimism is coldness, inaction, rigidity.
Pessimism is Buddha floating down the street saying, “Go with the flow”.
Think of this dog:
Think of this sinking boat:
We all need a little negativity in our lives. And when we realize this, we’ll all have more reason to be optimistic.