Recently, I’ve been called a pessimist, a man who sees the world in a negative light. But I do not view myself that way.
I tend to view myself as a pragmatist in all things. I see things for the way they are. Is it realistic, or is it idealistic? I live by that question. But to me, it seems like there’s been a recent confusion between simply being realistic about things and being what some call a “Negative Nancy”.
It seems like no one can really tell the difference. I once got into a discussion with my friend, who is definitely an American nationalist, and I told him the war in Iran was unwinnable in its current state, and that the US has two choices: stop, or put boots on the ground. He then called me a pessimist. Again, I did not understand why. I simply told him the pragmatic way I see things.
Another time, I was watching an American football game with my brother, and I told him the game was over (there was 2:30 left in the game and we were down 28-7). I then got called a pessimist again! I don’t understand it.
I’m not sure if this is an isolated thing to just me, or if any of you have had this happen to you as well.
Why is there such a confusion between pragmatism and pessimism?
Well, it seems like no one seems to really know the difference between pragmatism and pessimism. I can get that they may be more optimistic, but it’s weird that they call me a pessimist when I’m really just being realistic.
Should be “Negative Neddy” Cavemanguy. Also should be “realism” not “pragmatism”. Realism is (ideally) the sensible middle position between optimism and pessimism.
Pessimism is to expect negative outcomes rather than positive ones. It’s the opposite of optimism.
Pragmatism is to simply to be concerned about how something might be good/bad. The opposite of pragmatism is idealism or putting too much stock in theorizing.
When you remarked about the war your friend called you a pessimist because you didn’t see how it could be won (negative outcome). The same for your pronouncement about the game you were watching with your brother.
Mind you, you were being pragmatic as well in both the above two scenarios.
A pragmatist sees things in a way that works, not for the way they are. I don’t equate pessimism to non-pragmatism.
I am very much a pragmatist and also a non-pragmatist. Two sides in cooperation, even if not agreement.
Probably, pragmatism best sees things the way they really are.
Optimism and pessimism are harmful when they are toxic.
Toxic optimism tries to turn everything into a good light, there can be no dark side to anything, probably rooted in an inability to face or handle unpleasant feelings.
Toxic pessimism only looks for the flaws in everything, there is a catastrophe or disaster hiding everywhere - a suspicious, hopeless way to live.
Two different mindsets, pessimism is well, lack of hope and fatalistic compared to its opposite counterpart which is optimism which anticipates a positive outcome against the odds.
Pragmatism on the other is taking practical action on things you have control over rather than having your head in the clouds.