Cynicism Verse Optimism

Which state of mind do you think is better to have? Why?

Note: Pessimism needs to be changed to Cynicism so now the question is regarding Cynicism and Optimism.

 

Optimization definitely. With pessimism you always see the downside of things and I bet that would deter people from doing things, whereas an Optimist would make the most of things and generally have a better outlook on life. I think perhaps Optimism vs Cynicism would be a better one as being cynical in some situations is definitely useful.

 

The use of common sense can answer your question rather easily. Obviously optimism.

 

Let us change this to Cynicism then.

@stromz
Well thanks for valiantly defending your point with common sense!

 

Optimism feels better, so I'd go with that. While cynicism may have its place, I think an overall positive attitude is more important to further the goals on many scales. Be it individual or the whole human race.

 

Optimism, I'm always thinking positive and make people laugh so I am pretty happy person.

 

I have been a pessimist all my life, regardless of how hard I tried to be positive when thinking; Maybe due to some of the disappointments in my life caused me to see everything shady.

However, I realized being a pessimist also has a positive side; I am better at judging people's intents and can tell if someone is trying to take me for stupid, easier than others.

 

That is what I told my mom because she always is a pessimist, I always clash with her because of our views.

 

Being an optimist doesn't mean we believe everyone is a happy shiny person and we ignore the fact that bad things do happen in the world.

Judging one's intention is a different skill, and really isn't tied to pessimism or optimism.

 

Oh but it is. Pessimism/Cynicism leads to a better judgement of reality, not everyone but usually it is the case.

Optimists looks to the bright side of things, which to me seems like an excuse to stay where you stand or to not try as much as you should.

I would choose neither, there needs to balance but I'm a pessimist.

 

Pessimism is not a balance.

 

Who said it was. :huh:

 

Then word your posts a little better lol.

 

Revised. I have added a but.

 

Well you have to know when to use both..
I'm a very optimistic person, people have fun around me (I hope they're not pretending anyway) because I always see the bright side of things.
How ever... If I were standing above a pit of spikes with a hole just about big enough for me to land in and not die and I got a prize at the end, I'd probably be pretty pessimistic and think to myself "you're going to die, there's no way you're making it" just so I don't jump in. It's more common sense, but you have to know when then bad out weighs the good.