Optimistic or Pessimistic

[Rei]

So... I wonder if personality type relates to this...

Not in mood to expland...
Chat about your theory :)just fixed spelling in title to match the poll

[Firelie]

I consider myself "realistic" which is a blend of the two.

(edit: my definition of "realistic" in this sense being that I always hope for the best, but I'm well aware of all of the variables that could cause something to go wrong and try to add those into my planning)

[Tarrick]

Agreed, Firelie. I don't really belong in either. "Realistic" is a much better description.

[Rei]

But that really means you're optimistic naturally, and have just lived too long/is not stupid enough to think everything is perfect.

[Rei]

edit: just fixed spelling in title to match the poll
-Jezebel

See... I warned you all about my spelling ::)

[Firelie]

No, see, I don't EXPECT the best possible outcome, I only hope for it and work for it. *It's not quite the same as optimism.

[Zeinland]

I see this world as Optimistic. Why? Well from my view the world is a pretty place, but were treating it like the lowest in the "food chain" so basically we for making it look bad get "beat up" (kill, death). So I think the world is positive... as long as we treat it good, well be treated good.

[Rei]

Well I guess it's most logical to not expect anything.

[Guido]

I would put myself in the 'realistic' category too. But... I think we would all think that. Most people see me as pessimistic because I will readily shoot down lofty goals that don't line up with reality. Some people feel the need to make these goals up so that they motivate themselves harder towards their true goal. That's always what I've associated optimism with: people being unrealistic :D But I mean really, how can you feel motivated towards a goal when you've decided it's impossible?

[Rei]

I would put myself in the 'realistic' category too. But... I think we would all think that. Most people see me as pessimistic because I will readily shoot down lofty goals that don't line up with reality. Some people feel the need to make these goals up so that they motivate themselves harder towards their true goal. That's always what I've associated optimism with: people being unrealistic :D But I mean really, how can you feel motivated towards a goal when you've decided it's impossible?

You like to make possible the impossible? :-/ (mind you I'm not stating this as an actual arguement)
Damn... which movie is that line from?

[Guido]

I don't understand o.0

Was that relating to what I posted? or an off topic question.

[Rei]

"You like to make possible the impossible?"
was the answer in form of a question, to your question,
"But I mean really, how can you feel motivated towards a goal when you've decided it's impossible?"

"Damn... which movie is that line from?"
Was my off topic comment on my question/answer regarding the phrase "make possible the impossible"

Anyway... pretend I didn't say anything...

[Guido]

Yeah... I problaby could have figured that out :-[

But yeah... that's always been a mystery for me. My ENFP friend is ridiculous with that. He gets annoyed when I constantly shoot down his goals, but I have to because he keeps throwing them in my face. That, and they're too easy to shoot down and make fun of him for it.

[Rei]

it's okay... i just suck at putting thoughts into words...

Anyway.
I'm trying to imagine a ENFP guy... and I'm coming up with the most hilarous/silly character :P

but yeah.. let's hear his outragous goals

[qwerty]

Optimistic here.

I will drive a problem to an optimal solution, in the rare case optimal doesn't occur then it is by far more positive than negative. In saying that without my guiding light most problems are viewed to be solved realistically.

[Jezebel]

I'm optimistic in the sense that I generally believe that everything will work out in the end. Even when situations get bad, I don't get too discouraged because I believe there is always a way out of it and/or to make things better. But I'm very, very cynical toward humanity in general.

[Tarrick]

I suppose to better clarify how I think:

I hope for the best outcome, I prepare (or try to) for the worst, and expect something more in middle. Hence, realistic.

[Evalis]

Both of our 'realistic' posters have indicated they are pessimistic, in that they hope for the best but 'plan for the worst'. Expecting something in the middle is also pessimistic because realistically there is an equal chance for the best case scenario too.

I am neither pessimistic nor optimistic so I won't vote. I would definately place myself in 'the middle' though, as I tend to set goals that are achievable, then I plan for the outcome of all the 'probable' scenarios (be they good or bad) up unto the point that I can no longer determine how probable the outcome will be. Although.. your point in creating this 'poll' may have been entirely different than attempting to find which way INTJs swayed.. and more to prove that INTJs are rebelious, considering that you gave us two options.. and we created a third. So if that was your goal here... then congratulations! Point well made!

[Firelie]

I never have believed in the two-option way of being. Gray area all the way!

[Tarrick]

Both of our 'realistic' posters have indicated they are pessimistic, in that they hope for the best but 'plan for the worst'. Expecting something in the middle is also pessimistic because realistically there is an equal chance for the best case scenario too.



By pessimistic, people generally are referring to the moaners and doomsayers. I'm far from that. I just realize the range of possibilities.

[Rei]

Well I can be both pessimistic and optimistic. I'm more than capable of making things sound wonderful...
But I think that I'm a pessimist naturally, because at the end of the day, I'll be thinking "this is soooooo shitty..."

If you think about it in terms of what one expects (the best, the worst, or the middle) then i'm nothing. I don't expect anything anymore. I've learned that droning on through the day sometimes has a better result than thinking about it... which is against my nature, but I have to do it anyway.

So what... I'm a pessimist struggling not to be?

anyways... I hope that made sense... Forgive me if it doesn't please :-?

[drc]

I have always been optimistic. *The "why not" stereotype fits with me 100%. *To me there is nothing worth getting down and dwelling over. *All that can cause is stress and a headache :|

[brookgarden]

because anything can happen at any time I find a positive aspect in most situations
that's it 8-)

[The Rose]

I've always been horribly pessimistic.
I'm a firm believer in Murphy's Law.

I thought it WAS a type thing!
I'm surprised there are so many here who are optimists.

[The Rose]

You like to make possible the impossible? *:-/ (mind you I'm not stating this as an actual arguement)
Damn... which movie is that line from?

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[rwyatt365]

I consider myself to be a "realistic optimist". By that I mean that I think that the world is full of great things with excellent potential - we just need to find the best way to take advantage of all of that "goodness". The problem is that so many people spend so much time screwing things up that everything ends up being trashed. So, I am optimistic in seeing the good that the world has to offer, but realistic in knowing that there is SOMEONE out there waiting to screw it all up.

OTOH My wife calls me morbid and negative - talk about a lack of perception! :-/

[TeleportThis]

I'd say I'm realistic in day to day life, but become more optimistic when looking farther and farther to the future. I don't think I'm pessimistic, but if I honestly believe something isn't going to work out, I'm not going to pretend it will, and instead begin looking for an alternative.

[StJimmy]

<-- Cynical pessimist. I'm not disappointed very often, and sometimes I'm pleasantly surprised.

I don't expect much from people I'm not very familiar with.

[polenka]

The ability to take on a pessimistic view is often necessary and advantageous to building a theory or achieving a goal because it allows you to work out any kinks/think about alternate explanations/prepare yourself for barriers to that goal.

It ceases to be advantageous when one perpetually views goals/theories as impossible/inadequate, because at that point there's no reason to pursue them.

Thus, optimism as a stable trait, and pessimism as a temporary and controlled state comprises the best configuration.

I used to encounter problems with being eternally optimistic regarding people, despite my intuition telling me not to be optimistic of them, and then being let down--but I've moved away from that viewpoint because my intuition is usually correct and it seems foolish not to take it into account.

[Apococlock]

Merr... go figure, everyone says "Oh well I take the best of both worlds!". Of course you do! You're an INTJ for god's sake!

I hate to say it, but I'm fairly optimistic... but not nearly as much as I am pessimistic. I'm one of those people who feel that is something can go wrong, it probably will.

If you catch me at the wrong time there is a good chance that I can overwhelm you with negativity... or "realism" as mentioned earlier, because that's just how the world is.

I almost instantly note and attempt to manipulate people based on their flaws on a totally subconscious level. Some personalities are more vulnerable than others, this also leads me to believe I am a pretty pessimistic or (evil) person if you will... yep >.>

[bikerscars]

i voted optimistic because it was multiple choice and i responded with the closest answer...

overall i am realistic to a fault;however i start my day as an optimist(helps getting out of bed) and end it as a pessimist(after people let me down all day)

i think humanity's history has been 3 steps forward 2 steps back and that alone is reason for optimism

[Ijz]

I'm also a "realistic optimist". If something is disappointing or fails, I try to learn from the experience so at least something positive came out of it.

[Naokohiro]

I think it would be hard for almost anyone to classify themselves as either an optimist or pessimist. Most people are somewhere in between, which is what makes horoscopes so believable...
Being an INTJ means you are realistic, because you think of things logically or whatever. So, I'm basically like that too. I've been called a pessimist, because of my realistic look on reality.
I have a hard time discerning when the truth is hurtful and then I'm looked upon as pessimistic.
For example, I tell my sister her cooking could have been better or something and she is offended... (But passively, which makes things worse.)

[Evalind]

I'm optimistic in the sense that I generally believe that everything will work out in the end. Even when situations get bad, I don't get too discouraged because I believe there is always a way out of it and/or to make things better. But I'm very, very cynical toward humanity in general.

IAWTC

[Nomad]

Hah! I'm optimistic. I was injured quite badly once and I was telling a friend I may have to accept some limits and he fell out of the chair he laughed so hard. When he got his breath, he said "the best and worst thing about you is that you don't even know how to fail".

That being said, I plan for others shortcomings and my own. Meticulously.

-Nomad

[cielo market]

I choose the invisible "Realistic" option, as well.

Some food for thought:
"An optimist is an uninformed pessimist" - Unknown
"I'm opti-pesto" - Craig Ferguson

:thumbsup:

[logan235711]

i'm very optimistic, pessimism doesn't seem to do much except destroy possibilities--at least more-so than optimisism

[bucolic_]

Hmm, I tend to be a realist like others said, although I'm generally optimistic for myself and my future, but a bit more pessimistic about the rest of the world, and have been known to have moments of "mild" misanthropy, but I generally like people, and am mostly optimistic, but realistic.

[cielo market]

Hmm, I tend to be a realist like others said, although I'm generally optimistic for myself and my future, but a bit more pessimistic about *the rest of the world, and have been known to have moments of "mild" misanthropy, but I generally like people, and am mostly optimistic, but realistic. *

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ---> Take the misanthropic quiz *:P

[bucolic_]

Hmm, I tend to be a realist like others said, although I'm generally optimistic for myself and my future, but a bit more pessimistic about the rest of the world, and have been known to have moments of "mild" misanthropy, but I generally like people, and am mostly optimistic, but realistic.

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ---> Take the misanthropic quiz :P

70% ;D

[cielo market]

Hmm, I tend to be a realist like others said, although I'm generally optimistic for myself and my future, but a bit more pessimistic about *the rest of the world, and have been known to have moments of "mild" misanthropy, but I generally like people, and am mostly optimistic, but realistic. *

To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. ---> Take the misanthropic quiz *:P

70% *;D

hahahaha post results on the thread! i wanna see how common it is among INTJs ;)

[orange]

I said pessimistic because thats probally how most see me. I'm really more of a realist so I point out the bad possibilities to the optomists... therefor, seen as pessimist.

Just cause you're cold and caculating doesn't mean that you are a pessimist.

[TruorTupnm]

I got a sixty-six on that misanthropic quiz thing. Towards the topic of this thread, though, I am a cynical realist, but I chose optimist. For a while, I always called myself a pessimist and made a point of despising many until they proved themselves to be better. Was always saying, "Optimists make no sense. Always expecting the best? Would that not breed depression by way of real life? Pessimists make sense. They are either always correct or pleasantly surprised." But then, I gots a bit of idealism in me. I leave people alone, am mostly neutral, can be helpful or friendly. I am the greatest. More should be like me. Hm. We're all humans, apparently. They have the ability to be better, then. Yay for potential!

[toonia]

My ideal is to plan like a pessimist, but to experience the moment like an optimist. Sometimes I get that backwards. :-/

At least I like to plan to account for all types of possible outcomes - including the relevant negative ones. Once you have done what you can, it makes sense to try to let go and hope for the best.

[Ryokurin]

This has been a major issue with some of my friends and especially my family. I feel that I'm stating a fact about a situation or how things are and yes it may be a negative fact but I'm looking at it from a 'what can I do to change it' perspective not a 'there's nothing I can do' perspective, although I admit sometimes that does come up and it still is comforting to know to a point even if its something bad. Its bad enough that my family has a habit of not telling me about things that are major family events until after they have taken place because they think I'm just sensitive on certain things. I can think of two major problems I had because of what my family thinks...

1. My family was talking about family reunions and the deaths that have occurred between the last two and I made a statement that I accept the fact that diabetes, high blood pressure and several cancers run on both sides of my family and I accept the fact that I would likely die from one of them eventually. I was thinking that this means I should try to keep fit and healthy and get normal checkups to catch it early. They took it as I was afraid of dieing young.

2. After I moved out and away for college whenever I was asked how things were going, I was pretty straightforward. If at the time I just spent a bunch of money on books, or to fix my car I told them so. I never asked for a dime or for any help. Later on I got word from my sister (who I think is the only one who gets me sometime) that my parents thought that I was hinting around that I needed money, so I just decided at that point to basically not go into detail on whats going on period. I think I even recall blowing up at my grandmother once by pointing out that if I wanted help that I would ask!

So yes, I'm optimistic but the world definitely doesn't see it that way.

[Ijz]

Ryokurin, it seems that your relatives themselves are pessimistic rather than that they think you are pessimistic.

[imoutofhere]

I consider myself "realistic" which is a blend of the two.

(edit: my definition of "realistic" in this sense being that I always hope for the best, but I'm well aware of all of the variables that could cause something to go wrong and try to add those into my planning)

Same. But, because I'm borderline if an emotion gets strong enough it can push me into one direction over the other. i.e. If I'm feeling down, I'm pesimistic, or as a kid when I was in love it would overwhelm me and make me an upbeat optimist.

[thegnat]

Realistic with a twist of cynicism.

Therefore people see me as pessimistic.

I *try* to look on the bright side of things.

But sometimes looking on the bright side is looking more on the "slightly less dull" side.

[Ryokurin]

Ryokurin, it seems that your relatives themselves are pessimistic rather than that they think you are pessimistic.

Maybe, but I get that from a lot of people. I just learned to not say what I'm feeling unless I'm asked, and even then to lie about it as chances are they won't get it anyways.

[outlier89]

Optimistic towards others.... pessimistic towards self

[Rowan]

On this issue I agree with H.P. Lovecraft, ‘Contrary to what you may assume, I am not a pessimist but an indifferentist–––that is, I don’t make the mistake of thinking that the… cosmos… gives a damn one way or the other about the especial wants and ultimate welfare of mosquitoes, rats, lice, dogs, men, horses, pterodactyls, trees, fungi, dodos, or other forms of biological energy.’

[mental drift]

Optimist for sure. I generally see the positives and potentials in myself and in others.

[Linn]

I find some point in the saying "Pessimists anticipate the end of the world, while optimists are producing it." Pessimist here.

[Avid]

I consider myself to be a "realistic optimist". By that I mean that I think that the world is full of great things with excellent potential - we just need to find the best way to take advantage of all of that "goodness". The problem is that so many people spend so much time screwing things up that everything ends up being trashed. So, I am optimistic in seeing the good that the world has to offer, but realistic in knowing that there is SOMEONE out there waiting to screw it all up.

OTOH My wife calls me morbid and negative - talk about a lack of perception! :-/

This...except for the last sentence.

[mkay]

I wouldn't call myself either. I'm open to good things happening, but I also like to prepare for bad scenarios. In general, I'm optimistic that I will be able to handle even bad situations.

[errrzarrr]

(words in annoying gigantic size)

Dude, Chill out. Caps and huge letters are very annoying. You could get reported and warned.

.............

ehm, well, I am a unconformist but Optimistic person.

[Scantilyclad]

I'm a huge pessimist.

[sriv]

I am a pessimist in my skepticism of ideas and individual bitterness. I am an optimist in the creation of good ideas, advance of science, survival of the human race, the human race.

Love humanity, hate the individual.

[Rowan]

Love humanity, hate the individual.

Amusingly, when I feel inclined to be hateful, I would say the complete opposite.

[Cuivienen]

So... I wonder if personality type relates to this...

Not in mood to expland...


Optimist

Up to now I found that if I set my mind to a certain goal, I can usually reach it, if that approach has worked so far, why in the world shouldn`t it work just as well in the future? Of course I make lots of mistakes, but a mistake I make once I will never make again - no use in dwelling in the past. Enjoy the present, carefully plan and prepare for the future and everything should work out just fine.

[OddFactor]

Optimistic towards self
Optimistic toward select few
Pessimistic towards everyone else

[Latte]

I personally do not fall in either camps of this dichotomy. I see many others don't either, but get "diagnosed" as optimistic due to lack of pessimism, as if one has to be one or the other. I'm sure that if they explained their lack of optimism instead, they'd be pegged as pessimists.

I guess it's the same thing as the relation between immoral, moral & amoral going on here.

The glass may be viewed as half full or half empty, but it can also be seen as containing 50% water & 50% air.

I'm not sure whether there is a word for the absence of the pessimism/optimism dichotomy however, like there is for some other dichotomies. If there isn't, maybe it's time someone invented one.

[Metafire]

I voted for pessimistic, because it's my way to motivate me. It's a technique I call negative thinking: I just expect the worst to happen, so I am prepared for any case. Of course if everything runs fine, I am happy, but I'm still prepared. Every morning I wake up with the thougt "my life is suffering", because that's about how I feel when I have to get out of bed. Strangely this helps because it motivates me to fight pain, fear and tiredness. Positive thinking just didn't work for me so I just tried the opposite and noticed that it makes me much more productive.

[robolizard55]

Optimistic towards self
Optimistic toward select few
Pessimistic towards everyone else

Almost exactly the same.

I have no faith in "people" - the screaming masses

I am optimistic about individuals (even though they generally dissapoint, I still come back for more, happily)

[True Rune]

I consider myself "realistic" which is a blend of the two.

(edit: my definition of "realistic" in this sense being that I always hope for the best, but I'm well aware of all of the variables that could cause something to go wrong and try to add those into my planning)
Same here, but I used to be quite the pessimist, well, it hasn't even been a year..

[Metaphor]

Pessimist.
I always find the bad and faults in people first and then proceed to quietly make fun of them for their downfalls.

[sriv]

Pessimist.
I always find the bad and faults in people first and then proceed to quietly make fun of them for their downfalls.

I make the horrible mistake of pointing them out. Maybe I should start caring about them less.

[Elfrun]

I’m optimistic, no justification or explanation necessary really, just optimistic ;D

I'm a little surprised that over 50% chose pessimistic or *insert sarcastic voice* 'realistic'.

[Zadoc]

"Realistic" needs to be on there. :)

[Sara27]

REALIST!!!

I'm always trying to evaluate the current situation and discover the most realistic outcomes, despite my personal feelings. I want an accurate picture of things. Maybe that's all BS since friends and family call me a pessimist, but they tend to be the unrealistic, PollyAnna types.





Sara27 added to this post, 2 minutes and 21 seconds later...

I'm the same way. I think my standards are too high. If they are, than it's not likely that anyone can reach them.

[Mozzes]

I'm definitely not an optimist in the philosophical sense of the word. Leibniz can take his "best of all possible worlds" and shove it up his ass. But, I'm definitely not a pessimist either. Not much pisses me off more than people who can't see beyond their own negativity. I suppose I would say I'm a positivist (though once again not in the philosophical sense of the word). I'm positive regarding the future. I believe that while the world is far from perfect we have the capability to make it more perfect. It's a fight against entropy; a conflict between the change that's necessary and peoples' sometimes violent resistance to that change. But, you know, sometimes you have to acknowledge that an idea's time has come, stand up and make it happen by sheer force of will.

[Mercury]

I'm very optimistic! :)

[Synamon]

I describe myself as a realist, but since it's not there, I ticked pessimist, most people who know me would describe me as that because I plan for the worst. I always have a contingency plan, an INTJ trait for sure, so I'm surprised to see this poll so even.

[NephilimAzrael]

Optimistic Realist. I know the future. :laugh: