You want bad faith argumentation, you didn't even really answer me.

Just as I said, full-on pessimism just leads to an excess of political activist/dismissive dunderhead types.

If you can't even tell the difference between real and fake reviews, you've got a lot of learning to do before you've earned the right to be pessimistic.

Goodbye.

Is there really a difference between hopeful pessimism and what I'd call realistic optimism?

If not, then I think we've been going over it already.

>Demonstrate a reason for optimism and we can talk

Sure! When I've failed at something and then done some preparation to raise my chances at success, I feel optimistic that it'll work when I try again!

And it's a realistic optimism, tempered by the lessons of my failure! So it is a thing.

​

>I do not consult Amazon reviews at all, theyre not verifiable.

So you just don't consult any reviews on the internet? That's pretty pessimistic.

Skeptical/critical logic does. Pessimistic logic is just depression.

You're right. I should've said honed by criticism/skepticism. Edited.

Yes. Blind faith can be dumb, but optimism and a more positive headspace does wonders.

Blind faith/"toxic optimism" is bad, but so is full-on pessimism.

Realistic optimism seems more like what we should push for, since we know that there's a level of optimism that does well by us before it gets to that point.

Since you think I'm strawmanning, then it's clear you believe I'm arguing in bad faith. I guess I should leave it at this then, unless you wanna try and explain how the heck I was strawmanning... I mean, would you buy a product on amazon with no or terrible reviews?

I don't even disagree that blind faith/"toxic optimism" is an issue. I just don't think devolving into full-on pessimism has served anyone very well, especially judging by my experiences in social media over time.

As has been discussed elsewhere, pessimism has had good effects, but not in and of itself.

Optimism should be honed by skepticism/criticism. So we can identify and feel optimistic in a realistic path forward.

Aren't you a textbook case of "unbridled/toxic optimism" when it comes to pessimism?

Blindly supporting it since you can't name a single historical instance when it did us any good?

Pessimism is like salt. Pepper is like optimism.

It's pretty clear when you've used too much salt.

It's a lot harder to use too much pepper. There's a healthy balance.

Doesn't answer my initial question. Give me an example that supports your claim that it's necessary, by showing that it's effective.

Then surely you can tell me some examples of how pessimism has done well by society or the world?

I disagree with the kind of pessimism that has radical activist sorts assuming that there can be no reasoned discussion/wholesome argument between sides, and so never try to communicate their ideas.

I counter, it's time for optimism to take the scene.

Be not afraid.

Ahh.

What's the reference here?

Oh, I kinda like this one.

That's what I was thinking about.

I just don't feel like I have the mind for this one. I'll let someone else take it up if they like.

I'd love to hear a story to this.

Only to the furries.

You know, looking at this, I realize how incredibly unnatural it would be for a rabbit to have antlers.

How would they hide in a burrow? Avoid getting caught in bushes?

It just doesn't help them at all.

Ah. Thanks.

What job? What country?

This would go amazingly in the upcoming Zelda game.