Hacker News Reader

Pessimists are going to read this and call BS

A truly committed pessimist would accept this dark omen.

Anyway, this definition of optimism

> or the belief that the future will be favorable because one can control important outcomes

Isn't what one colloquially means by it.

Though it is eye catching that it will make a positive impact even if you don't, actually, control important outcomes, like by not smoking

> These relations were independent of socioeconomic status, health conditions, depression, social integration, and health behaviors (e.g., smoking, diet, and alcohol use). Overall, findings suggest optimism may be an important psychosocial resource for extending life span in older adults.

>A truly committed pessimist would accept this dark omen

Nah, that would be a fatalist

Surely there's some overlap?

Don't know many optimistic fatalists.

fatalist thinks whatever is to come will come and accepts whatever comes

pessimmist thinks the worse will come - and is grumpy about it

“It’s all going to be great, and you can’t change that no matter how hard you try.”

Exactly. Optimists are perpetually disappointed bitter people.

Pessimists look at anything good as an unexpected bonus.

All the good humorists are pessimists.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com