I have always been - I think any student of history almost inevitably is - a cheerful pessimist.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author identifies as a pessimist regarding outcomes but maintains a positive attitude about the process of life.
- In plain terms
- He expects bad things to happen but stays happy about facing them.
- What can you take from it?
- Expecting the worst can coexist with maintaining a positive outlook.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you be hopeful and expectant simultaneously?
- How does history influence your outlook?
Another view
Self-descriptions of personality are subjective and hard to verify.
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