SkamGnal t1_j2th3bl wrote
Reply to comment by Wilddog73 in Look on the dark side | We must keep the flame of pessimism burning: it is a virtue for our deeply troubled times, when crude optimism is a vice by ADefiniteDescription
Martin Luther, I’d argue. The article argues that pessimism is often caricatured, but in reality it represents the ability to face the negative things in life.
Luther held a very bleak view of the Catholic Church. He challenged common opinions and brought the Church’s intentions and behaviors to light.
Wilddog73 t1_j2tlg6t wrote
That doesn't sound like pessimism, rather than the fruits of skepticism/criticism.
SkamGnal t1_j2uv7k1 wrote
And that criticism is a result of viewing the world for what it is - bleak. Those that represented God - even the Pope himself - were taking advantage of the common man. The Church, in its stark irony, made it harder for people to go to Heaven. That’s a pessimistic, yet grounded, perspective. It’s not sugar coated.
The author of the article does not divorce optimism and pessimism. Nor do they marry pessimism with fatalism - quite the opposite. They describe hopeful pessimism, which faces the negativity of the world head on while acknowledging things might get worse. I think Martins Luthers actions fit that description.
Wilddog73 t1_j2uyowz wrote
Personally, I think that contradicts with my definition of pessimism. Is pessimism not negativity to the point of not caring to try? To the point that it holds you back from facing that negativity?
I think "realistic optimism" is a better term for what you describe.
Trumpfreeaccount t1_j2toj6t wrote
You literally just call anything positive someone points out about pessimism skepticism, your not arguing in good faith my friend.
Wilddog73 t1_j2tpfo6 wrote
Why is it pessimism and not skepticism to you then?
Trumpfreeaccount t1_j2tqs3e wrote
Why would I have a discussion with someone I literally just told I don't believe is having a good faith discussion.
Wilddog73 t1_j2tro6x wrote
Leave it to a pessimist to make that assumption on so little.
Thank you for portraying my argument against encouraging pessimism for the rest of us.
Trumpfreeaccount t1_j2tttys wrote
When did I say I was a pessimist. Leave it to an optimist to just make shit up whole cloth and claim they are correct.
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