Basically I'm an optimist. Intellectually I can see man's balance is about fifty-fifty, and his chances of blowing himself up are about one to one. I can't see this any way but intellectually. I'm just emotionally unable to believe that he will do this. This means that I am by nature an optimist and by intellectual conviction a pessimist, I suppose.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Golding is emotionally optimistic but intellectually sees humanity's self-destruction risk.
- In plain terms
- I feel hopeful but know we might destroy ourselves.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance hope with realistic awareness.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where do your feelings and logic clash?
- What do you choose to believe?
Another view
It admits hope is irrational not rational.
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