pessimist_and_optimist andru235 why claim a permanent stance? pessimists are usually optimistic about being pessimists optimists are pessimistic about not being optimists 050419 ... methinx The optimist thinks we live in the greatest of all possible worlds; the pessimist fears this is true. The optimist has the glass half full, the pessimist half empty... Neither of them see true. The glass is completely full. Never have I seen a vacuum incased in a simple drinking glass. 050714 ... jane a pessimist is an optimist who's been mugged 050715 ... andru235 an optimist is a pessimist who's being hugged...? 050716 ... unhinged i'm not a pessimist i'm a realist 050716 ... REAListic optimIST i feel that focusing on the "reality" of negativity inherent within our current paradigm does not equal realism. there is "good" and "bad" to be found wherever one looks, and it seems that such a perspective discounts the infinite possibility inherent in each moment to transcend our current suffering and stupidity. to me, framing one's reality helps to unlock the potential in the moment. there is a proverb about being a pickpocket and meeting a guru. because of the immediate need you may be experiencing, all you will see are his pockets. not that he hasn't got pockets, or that they may not, in fact, be useful to you. only that if you were able to transcend your immediate need, you might be open to the long term benefits of being open to receive the greater truth which the guru might teach. there is a quote i heard this weekend that says that revolution is impossible until it begins, then it is inevitable. additionally, i visited the anne frank memorial in boise, idaho. it is truly inspirational, and the following quote is one of an overwhelming number of inspirational quotes inscribed there: "It's difficult in times like these: ideals, dreams and cherished hopes rise within us, only to be crushed by grim reality. It's a wonder I haven't abandoned all my ideals, they seem so absurd and impractical. Yet I cling to them because I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are truly good at heart. It's utterly impossible for me to build my life on a foundation of chaos, suffering and death. I see the world being slowly transformed into a wilderness. I hear the approaching thunder that, one day, will destroy us too. I feel the suffering of millions. And yet, when I look up at the sky, I somehow feel that everything will change for the better, that this cruelty too shall end, that peace and tranquility will return once more. In the meantime, I must hold on to my ideals. Perhaps the day will come when I'll be able to realize them!" Anne M. Frank July 15, 1944 and i know i've said it before, but i suppose that it bears repeating here. A pessimist sees the glass as half empty. An optimist sees the glass as half full. sees the glass as well balanced. 050717 ... jane i am the empty glass 050717 what's it to you? who go blather from