Pessimism — a philosophy forced upon the convictions of the observer by the disheartening prevalence of the optimist with his scarecrow hope and his unsightly smile.
The pessimist is a person who always finds a mournful note in joyful music.
There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist, except an old optimist.
Both optimists and pessimists contribute to society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute.
Such is the influence which the condition of our own thoughts, exercise, even over the appearance of external objects.
Men who look on nature, and their fellow-men, and cry that all is dark and gloomy, are in the right; but the sombre colours are reflections from their own jaundiced eyes and hearts.
The real hues are delicate, and need a clearer vision.
Between the optimist and the pessimist, the difference is droll. The optimist sees the doughnut; the pessimist the hole!
The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears it is true.
"I hope to-morrow will be a fine day, Lane.".
"It never is, sir."
"Lane, you're a perfect pessimist."
"I do my best to give satisfaction, sir."
No matter what the future holds, ultimately it will be a disappointment.
The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true. So I elect for neither label.
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