What Is Pessimism, And Is It Ever Helpful?
Pessimism, often regarded as the opposite of optimism, is a mindset and worldview that involves a negative outlook on life. For some, this mindset may be used as a coping mechanism when challenging circumstances arise. For others, it may be a form of cynicism or nihilism. To understand whether pessimism is helpful, it may be beneficial to look at its principles compared to other schools of thought.
What is pessimism?
If you often choose a pessimistic outlook, you may have been judged by your more optimistic peers or had difficult experiences that have caused you to lose hope. It could seem like the safest option for protecting yourself from further harm. If the negative outcome you expect happens, you may avoid disappointment by not being surprised or taken aback by the outcome. In addition, if the outcome is positive, you may be pleasantly surprised instead of disappointed.
Positive psychology embraces optimism as an ideal personality trait and suggests that pessimism is negative. However, there may be some situations in which pessimism is useful. Looking at pessimism through a positive lens could seem contradictory, but there are a few perspectives to consider, and the reality may not be black and white.
Pessimism quotes
Several quotes on pessimism may describe this outlook, with some favoring this mindset and others finding it unhelpful. Below are a few of these quotes:
- "A pessimist is a man who thinks everybody is as nasty as himself and hates them for it." – George Bernard Shaw
- "I'm a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will." – Antonio Gramsci
- "Keep a light, hopeful heart. But expect the worst." – Joyce Carol Oates
- "If you think this Universe is bad, you should see some of the others." –Philip K. Dick
- "The man who is a pessimist before 48 knows too much; if he is an optimist after it, he knows too little." –Mark Twain
- "What a pessimist you are!" exclaimed Candide. "That is because I know what life is," said Mark. –An excerpt from Volatire's Candide
- "When things are at their blackest, I say to myself, 'Cheer up; things could be worse.' And sure enough, they get worse." – Robert Lynn Asprin
- "I like pessimists. They're always the ones who bring life jackets for the boat." – Lisa Kleypas
- "Sometimes I get the feeling the whole world is against me, but deep down, I know that's not true. Some smaller countries are neutral." – Robert Orben
- "There are moments when everything goes well; Don't be frightened, it won't last." – Jules Renard
- "Sometimes a pessimist is only an optimist with extra information." – Idries Shah
When contemplating these quotes, you may see a few positive sides to pessimism. Criss Jami offers another perspective: "Seeing the glass as half empty is more positive than seeing it as half full. Through such a lens, the only choice is to pour more. That is righteous pessimism."
Pessimism can prompt some people to prepare for problems in practical ways. However, others may experience pessimism because of anxiety or rumination on negative thoughts. Pessimism can also impact reality, as many scholars believe thoughts dictate reality. A balanced worldview may allow individuals to recognize negative possibilities while having the hope and optimism to change them.
What is pessimism?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary offers a specific definition of pessimism, calling it "an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions, and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome." Pessimism is an attitude that informs your worldview. It is a tendency and not a constant state. For that reason, someone may be a pessimist but still have moments of hope and joy.
Pessimism vs. optimism
Pessimism and optimism are often mentioned congruently. They are opposites but can have some similarities. When you consider pessimism vs. optimism, looking at the similarities and differences from a neutral perspective may be helpful.
Below are a few similarities between optimism and pessimism:
- Both terms refer to attitudes and worldviews
- They are both relative terms, which can be seen on the same continuum
- Both sides of the spectrum have healthy and unhealthy degrees
- Both are choices
- Both involve thought patterns that can include cognitive distortions
The differences between optimism and pessimism include the following:
- Optimism dwells on the positive, while pessimism focuses on the negative
- Optimism inspires action, and pessimism prompts cautious planning
What is meant by “pessimism of the intellect, optimism of the will“
Antonio Gramsci encouraged pessimism of the intellect and optimism of the will. His concept involved a combination of optimism and pessimism in his worldview.
To practice a pessimistic intellect and optimistic will, a person may think of a situation logically by considering what could go wrong and how they might problem-solve. It is a form of situational awareness that allows a person to plan how to cope. After planning and considering the facts, you can call on optimism to move forward confidently and with hope.
Someone who chooses a purely optimistic outlook may believe that to get a positive outcome, the only step required is to believe in it. In some cases, this mindset may be correct. However, disappointment can occur if steps are not taken to achieve one's goals due to an idealistic outlook. In these cases, pessimism and realism might be used first. By combining an optimistic emotional state with pessimistic planning, you may experience the advantages of both.
Types of pessimism
Psychologists and others have identified several distinct types of pessimism. These different ways of seeing pessimism may impact how you think of yourself, others, and the world around you.
Philosophical pessimism
Pessimism as a philosophical concept has a slightly different meaning than in pop culture.? To some philosophers, pessimism is a doctrine meaning, "The world we live in is the worst of all possible worlds." In this mindset, the world is at its worst, leading to "evil" or "corruption." Another philosophical use is the belief that all the happiness and positivity in the world do not make up for the evil and pain in the world.
Defensive pessimism
Defensive pessimism is a way of coping with anxiety and other uncomfortable mood states. In this mindset, instead of hoping for the best, you may assume the worst will happen. You may think through several scary or unhealthy scenarios because it helps you lower your expectations. Because you see little chance of complete success, you may not work toward your goals.
This strategy has been used by students preparing for exams and performers preparing to hit the stage. If you've ever heard the common theatre phrase, "Break a leg? " you may have witnessed the use of defensive pessimism.
Comparative pessimism
Several studies have focused on comparative optimism, the belief that positive occurrences are more likely for you than others or that negative events are more likely to happen to other people besides yourself. It is an illusion that makes you perceive yourself as smarter, more attractive, or "better" than others.
In the same vein, comparative pessimism is unrealistic pessimism. You may think you are inferior to others and that situations can be worse for you in the future than for your peers. This mindset could lower your self-esteem and cause depression. It may also make you believe there is no hope, even when you see others succeeding with no more advantages than you have.
How is optimism helpful and unhelpful?
A person's positive or negative expectations for the future can play a significant role in coping with life's challenges and disappointments. Studies have shown a significant positive relationship between optimism and resilience against stressful situations. Concomitantly, optimism can indirectly but positively affect your mental health and general well-being. People who expect the positive in their future tend to choose a healthier lifestyle. They also may cognitively practice intellectual flexibility to negative outcomes and problem-solving.
While an optimistic outlook is perceived by many as the best way to handle every difficult problem or situation, pessimism may also have benefits. In addition, there can be drawbacks to optimism, too. Although thoughts can impact reality, thoughts without action may not go as far as those followed by change. Consider what would happen if you and someone believed you would win a race. Both of you thought equally positively about it, yet only one of you can win.
How is pessimism beneficial?
In some situations, pessimism may have benefits that optimism doesn't, such as the following:
- A Longer Lifespan: In one study, older people who were more pessimistic were likelier to be alive ten years after the study than optimistic people.
- Productivity: Pessimism may open your mind to situations that could be improved on, pushing you to get more tasks done.
- Avoidance of the Ego: Extreme optimism may lead to over-confidence, which can cause egotistical behaviors. Pessimism may avoid this consequence.
- Improved Relationships: Understanding that a relationship may fail could motivate you to be more proactive in solving problems and settling disagreements.
How to develop healthy pessimism
Below are a few tips for developing healthy forms of pessimism:
- Think specifically about what could go wrong concerning the facts, not the perceptions of the situation
- Prepare for how you would react in certain possible conflicts
- Consider what is negative about a situation and what could turn it positive
- Consider minor and significant challenges
How could being a pessimist be unhealthy?
Pessimism can be unhealthy in significant amounts or when it causes you to become anxious, sad, or unmotivated. Excessive pessimism may cause paranoia and fear, restricting your ability to move forward.
You may also pass on these fears to others, causing their mood to shift. While some people fall between the extremes of pure optimism and pure pessimism, it can be difficult to be around someone who is consistently negative.
Persistent pessimism can also impact your mental and physical health. It may increase your risk factors for developing stress, depression, and anxiety. Studies have shown that extremely pessimistic and depressive personality traits are associated with an increased risk for mortality.
Developing your character with a therapist
Neither pessimism nor optimism guarantees success or failure, happiness or despair. What matters is how you respond to your thought patterns. If you find that your negative thoughts or outlook on life are consistently getting in the way of your ability to enjoy life, consider speaking with a therapist or healthcare provider. While it can be natural and sometimes healthy to have a pessimistic view of certain situations in life, persistent negative thoughts could be a sign of a mental health condition.
If you have a busy schedule or financial limitations, you can also try therapy through an online platform like BetterHelp. Online therapy allows clients to meet with a therapist via phone, video, or chat. In addition, you can ask your therapist questions throughout the day using an out-of-session messaging feature. Your therapist can respond when available. This feature may be useful for receiving advice when unsure if you're experiencing a cognitive distortion.
Studies have proven that internet-based treatment can aid those struggling with depression and pessimism. For example, 466 participants joined a study in the interest of becoming happier using online positive psychology interventions (OPPIs). The participants randomly assigned to online optimism-building interventions reported engaging more in activities that brought them happiness and experienced less dysfunctional pessimism in their daily lives.
Takeaway
What is an example of comparative optimism?
Comparative optimism may refer to a phenomenon that leads individuals to believe that they are less likely to experience negative events. Comparative optimism may also be called the “optimistic bias,” which is defined as “judging one’s own risk as less than the risk of others” in the literature review article Do Moderators of the Optimistic Bias Affect Personal or Target Risk Estimates?
Research suggests that people of all genders and age demographics may experience optimistic biases in social comparative judgments in relation to a wide variety of risks and risk estimates. These risks may include being involved in an automobile accident, going through a divorce, experiencing crime, or losing one’s job. Comparative optimism may also occur in regard to health problems, particularly those that individuals believe are within their control.
What is the comparative optimism theory?
The theory of comparative optimism relates to a bias that leads individuals to underestimate the likelihood of negative life events. This bias may also cause a person to see a likely negative event as possible but far more likely to happen to someone else. While this bias may be considered common, one research article published online in 2017 found that participants assessed based on their opinion about future events were not found to have a widespread tendency towards comparative optimism. However, further research in fields like experimental social psychology may need to be conducted in order to determine the prevalence of this bias definitively.
What is an example of pessimistic thinking?
Pessimistic thinking, or a negative perspective on life, may be seen in numerous situations. The classic example of a pessimist would be someone who sees a glass as “half empty,” while an optimist may see it as “half full.” This indicates that a pessimistic person is focused on what they don’t have or what is gone, while an optimist is thankful for what they do have. In general, pessimists believe that bad events will happen in the future, and when good things do happen, they tend to find negative aspects to focus on.
What is an example of a comparative expression?
The term “comparative expression” may refer to several concepts, including adjectives that are used to illustrate the differences between two distinct objects. For example, if there are two boxes of different sizes, one may use comparative expression to refer to one as the “larger box” and the other as the “smaller box.”
When discussing pessimistic thought patterns, comparative expression may refer to a form of speech relating to comparative pessimism. Comparative pessimism often leads individuals to compare themselves to others in a less-than-favorable way, which may cause damage to their self-esteem. This type of perspective can also have an effect on how individuals are accepted by others, as shown by one study in which “targets exhibiting comparatively optimistic or pessimistic outlooks on the future were presented as non-depressed, depressed, or neither.”
This study found that comparative narcissism may cause individuals to experience social rejection in the social desirability dimension, while comparatively optimistic individuals were more accepted in the social utility dimension (which relates to failure or success in one's social life). In addition, optimistic individuals were more likely to be perceived as potential risk-takers or generally having a higher risk-taking potential than their pessimistic peers.
How do you describe pessimism?
Pessimism can be described as a negative outlook on life that centers around the belief that “nothing good will happen.” Pessimists tend to see the downsides of any situation and choose to emphasize the undesirable elements of their lives. In addition, pessimists typically have a dim view of the future, often having a lack of hope for prosperity or joy and believing that the worst possible outcomes are more likely to occur.
There may be a number of causes for pessimism, including loss aversion. As described by the Personality and Social Psychology Review, loss aversion, or the belief that one will experience more pain from loss than the possible pleasure they could receive from gain, could lead pessimists to believe that an optimistic outlook may be a riskier perspective to have.
What are the two types of pessimism?
Depending on what definition you use, there may be numerous forms of pessimism. One of these types is defensive pessimism, which may be used as a coping mechanism to deal with uncomfortable emotions or moods. By believing that a negative outcome is likely to occur, individuals engaging in negative pessimism may allow someone to manage their expectations. This could help protect their feelings if something doesn’t go their way, and if it does, they can still enjoy their success.
A second type of pessimism could be philosophical pessimism. This type relates more to a negative perspective about human existence as a whole with some practitioners believing that that life has no meaning or is centered around suffering rather than happiness. These individuals will also often believe that man is inherently evil, and that the efforts of good individuals will ultimately be defeated by bad individuals.
What's a pessimistic person?
A pessimistic person is typically an individual who prefers to focus on the worst parts of life, believing that the most negative outcomes are likely to occur. These individuals may have a solemn or glum demeanor, often speaking about their lack of hope for their future and the future of others. Pessimists may focus their negative energy on any number of subjects, including fictional targets like characters in TV shows or movies.
When good events do occur, pessimistic people may point out any negative aspect they can find or illustrate why worse events will happen soon after. A pessimistic person will likely be difficult to converse with, as they may try to bring down the mood of those around them. This can lead them to be socially rejected in many situations, while optimistic individuals may be more likely to be socially accepted.
Who is happier, optimist or pessimist?
While additional social and clinical psychology studies may need to be conducted to reach a consensus on what defines “happiness,” research suggests that optimists tend to experience a more positive mix of feelings. This is likely due to their expectation that good outcomes will occur, which can give them more motivation in their work and hope for the future. Pessimists, however, typically believe that bad outcomes have a higher likelihood of occurring. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, persistent sadness, and periodic anger, which may have a negative impact on an individual’s well-being.
What is the opposite pessimistic?
The opposite of a pessimistic, or the negative belief that bad events are more likely to happen, is optimistic, or the hopeful attitude that positive and beneficial events have a higher likelihood of happening. A pessimistic person may have difficulty trusting others or believing in a prosperous future. In addition, pessimists may be more prone to have a consistently depressed mood. Optimists, on the other hand, are more likely to focus on the positive aspects of their lives. These individuals typically have a higher confidence in their own ability to effect change and tend to believe that things will go well for them and their loved ones.
Is pessimism negative?
Pessimism is almost always associated with a negative perspective on life. Individuals with a pessimistic mindset will likely find ways to highlight unfavorable parts of any situation while choosing any positive aspects. Pessimists may be prone to excessive reassurance seeking or have poor confidence in their own ability to change elements of their lives; this may be due to previous negative experiences or a lack of self-esteem. In addition, pessimists may have a bleak outlook on the future, believing that they are unlikely to experience happiness or achieve academic, professional, or romantic success.
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