[deleted] t1_j2tjik7 wrote
WallyMetropolis t1_j2tmnqg wrote
It's pretty simple. There have always been optimists, and cynicism has always been popular.
[deleted] t1_j2tnlz0 wrote
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WallyMetropolis t1_j2tpoz1 wrote
No, that would be a weird over-generalization. I'm just contesting the idea that history was defined by broad optimism, or that optimism has been a constantly, hugely popular position for people right up until the present moment. That's false.
And I'm also saying there's value in optimism.
[deleted] t1_j2tqf1h wrote
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WallyMetropolis t1_j2tu5av wrote
You are reading my comment as saying that 100% of everyone thought it was the end times and also that 100% of all progress is made by optimists. That's not what I think and any person making any kind of attempt at a generous reading would never assume that's what I think.
I'm saying that the person claiming that all of human history was marked by prevalent, toxic optimism is incorrect. That's not the case. Historically, cynicism has always been extremely popular. I'm also claiming that optimists are generally more effective and bringing about progress.
[deleted] t1_j2tx80j wrote
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WallyMetropolis t1_j2wt95s wrote
But it's only a contradiction if it's saying that extremist version. Unless I claimed that everyone was a pessimist, and only optimists can make progress, then noting that progress has been made isn't a contradiction.
Trumpfreeaccount t1_j2tosy8 wrote
He does and he realizes how dumb that sounds so he rephrased it cryptically.
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