The man who is a pessimist before forty-eight knows too much; if he is an optimist after it he knows read more

The man who is a pessimist before forty-eight knows too much; if he is an optimist after it he knows too little

The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds.The pessimist fears it is true.

The optimist thinks this is the best of all possible worlds.The pessimist fears it is true.

A man may be a pessimistic determinist before lunch and an optimistic believer in the will's freedom after it.

A man may be a pessimistic determinist before lunch and an optimistic believer in the will's freedom after it.

The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious to the rose

The optimist sees the rose and not its thorns; the pessimist stares at the thorns, oblivious to the rose

Pessimism is, in brief, playing the sure game. You cannot lose at it; you may gain. It is the only read more

Pessimism is, in brief, playing the sure game. You cannot lose at it; you may gain. It is the only view of life in which you can never be disappointed. Having reckoned what to do in the worst possible circumstances, when better arise, as they may, life becomes child's play.

I doubt anyone will ever see -- anywhere -- a memorial to a pessimist.

I doubt anyone will ever see -- anywhere -- a memorial to a pessimist.

A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds, and mopes; a philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs; an read more

A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds, and mopes; a philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs; an optimist doesn't see the clouds at all - he's walking on them.

Pessimists are usually kind. The gay, bubbling over, have to time for the pitiful.

Pessimists are usually kind. The gay, bubbling over, have to time for the pitiful.

How many pessimists end up by desiring the things they fear, in order to prove that they are right?

How many pessimists end up by desiring the things they fear, in order to prove that they are right?