Optimism vs Pessimism

The cluster centers on debates about the merits of optimism versus pessimism, with commenters arguing that optimists drive progress and innovation while pessimists sound smarter but may hinder action.

📉 Falling 0.4x Politics & Society
3,210
Comments
20
Years Active
5
Top Authors
#6636
Topic ID

Activity Over Time

2007
2
2008
19
2009
44
2010
56
2011
47
2012
96
2013
66
2014
108
2015
67
2016
143
2017
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2018
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2019
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2020
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2021
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2022
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2023
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2024
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2025
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2026
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Keywords

L5 SEE THINKERS MLM LLM THE WORLD NEWS GOT AHEAD optimism optimistic thinkers emotions positive outlook realistic learned pessimistic martin

Sample Comments

Kenji Aug 16, 2016 View on HN

This is a pessimistic view of optimism. You have to work on your optimism =)

jjoonathan Mar 20, 2023 View on HN

Pessimism about pessimism is the strongest case for optimism about optimism.

hemantv Jun 15, 2021 View on HN

Because pessimistic sounds smart, optimists make things

Holmes Mar 21, 2020 View on HN

I'm optimistic, but can see the case for pessimism as well.

digging Jul 1, 2023 View on HN

If optimism is wrong, we all die.if pessimism is wrong, we're fine.

kaonwarb Jan 29, 2025 View on HN

Disagree that blind optimism is just as obnoxious. Blind pessimists are much less likely to reach beyond what's currently considered possible. We need irrationally optimistic folks.

komali2 Apr 24, 2017 View on HN

I'll take radical optimism over realistic pessimism any day.

Dowwie Aug 6, 2019 View on HN

You are living with pessimism bias, but fortunately there's treatment. Take two pills of survivorship bias and call me in the morning.

bry Aug 17, 2010 View on HN

Yeah, optimism is for babies, right? :)

slowhadoken Nov 19, 2023 View on HN

Yeah optimism and pessimism both agree something is wrong