I'm a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Intelligence reveals problems that justify pessimism, but willpower drives optimism and action.
- In plain terms
- Thinking makes you see problems, but will makes you hopeful.
- What can you take from it?
- Let willpower override pessimistic analysis.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you balance analysis and hope?
- Does intelligence help or hurt optimism?
Another view
Pure will without insight can lead to reckless decisions.
More from Antonio Gramsci
All men are intellectuals: but not all men have in society the function of intellectuals.
Permalink to quote #2 The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.
Permalink to quote #3 Economy and ideology. The claim (presented as an essential postulate of historical materialism) that every fluctuation of politics and ideology can be presente…
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
To the question whether I am a pessimist or an optimist, I answer that my knowledge is pessimistic, but my willing and hoping are optimistic.
Albert SchweitzerAlbert Schweitzer quote #3 The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.
Irving CaesarIrving Caesar quote #4 Traditionalists are pessimists about the future and optimists about the past.
Lewis MumfordLewis Mumford quote #8