Comments on: Realistic Versus Pessimistic

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:54:13 +0000

Oh, I’ll still do things even though there is a perceived likely chance of failure. Yes, there is always hope and a glimpse of optimism in everything we do – but we can’t assume that the optimistic outcome is the likely one every time.

From my point of view and long lasting experience with sports teams and how they perform under pressure, wisdom says to expect the likely outcome because past behavior is a great indicator of future outcomes. Not only with sports, but in general life. Knowing people and how they react in our world leads mostly to a realistic (not overly optimistic and not pessimistic) outcome which will come true more often than it should.

That’s just the reality of the world we live in. I would like to be an eternal optimist, but I wouldn’t be able to get over the fact that I would be an ostrich with my head in the sand if that were the case.

By: Jeanie

Jeanie — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:43:40 +0000

I do think you walk that fine line of what you call a realist and being a pessimist. Sure, we have to put into account all the potential factors in a situation, but you also don’t have to rule out all the possibilities…the optimism. I think “certain” people have a tendency of putting the “realistic/pessimistic” spin on something if there’s a possibility of failure. That’s simply not true. How many times in your life have you later looked back on and been so glad that you failed at it, because something more wonderful ended up occurring instead? That shows that there was room for optimism even though there was obvious potential for failure. Optimistic…Hopeful…

As for the word realistic….Realistic is being born with no leg and knowing that I’m not going to grow one later. Nothing to be optimistic about..also nothing to be pessimistic about.. it is what it is.

By: Robert

Robert — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 05:11:59 +0000

I agree. But, given that we do make choices and have free will, we must realize that more often than not, our hopes by being optimistic will not be realized.

Our morally and ethically backward society and world definitely provides the person heading down the wrong path enough detour signs to pay attention too. The realistic point of view is that the vast majority of society will fail to see these signs and continue along their path hindering those who are ultimately and helplessly optimistic.

Life happens and we make choices, but realistically, we should prepare for the bad decisions being made and not focus all hope on what we know may never happen.

By: Ann

Ann — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 03:01:51 +0000

You lost me in the 1st paragraph – realist – pressimistic- optimist. Whatever, I think God lets life happen and uses what he wants to his Glory. Whatever choices people make lead them down the wrong path where they invite bad things to happen or the right path, where good things can happen. God is trying to tell them right from wrong, they just got to listen.