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About this quote

What does it mean?
Saying pessimism shows intelligence is a common self-satisfied agreement.
In plain terms
People act like being pessimistic makes them smarter.
What can you take from it?
Pessimism is often used to signal intellect.

Where it applies

  • social conversation
  • self presentation
  • philosophy

Putting it to work

  • question pessimistic claims
  • seek balanced views

Questions to consider

  • Does pessimism show intellect?
  • Why do people value pessimism?

Another view

Pessimism can sometimes reflect accurate assessment rather than showmanship.

More from John Kenneth Galbraith

  1. Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it's just the opposite.

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  2. Where humor is concerned there are no standards - no one can say what is good or bad, although you can be sure that everyone will.

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  3. Trickle-down theory - the less than elegant metaphor that if one feeds the horse enough oats, some will pass through to the road for the sparrows.

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