Don't ever become a pessimist... a pessimist is correct oftener than an optimist, but an optimist has more fun, and neither can stop the march of events.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Heinlein suggests that while pessimists may be more often right about negative outcomes, optimists enjoy life more. He argues that neither outlook can actually change how events unfold.
- In plain terms
- Optimists have more fun even if pessimists are often right, but neither can change what happens.
- What can you take from it?
- Choose optimism for enjoyment since it doesn’t change outcomes either.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does being right matter more than having fun?
- Can your outlook influence events?
Another view
The quote assumes individual mood has no impact on collective outcomes.
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