Difference between revisions of "Optimist"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Greenmeanie (talk | contribs) |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | The term '''optimist''' was originally applied to those who adhered to the [[philosophy]] of optimism. This declared that the world was the best of all possible worlds, as it was created by [[God]]. Therefore even what appeared bad was actually part of [[God]]'s perfection | + | The term '''optimist''' was originally applied to those who adhered to the [[philosophy]] of optimism. This declared that the world was the best of all possible worlds, as it was created by [[God]]. Therefore even what appeared bad was actually part of [[God]]'s perfection. |
The term came to be used as meaning someone who looks for the positive side of a situation and anticipates the most positive outcome of a venture. | The term came to be used as meaning someone who looks for the positive side of a situation and anticipates the most positive outcome of a venture. | ||
An [[optimist]] is one who looks at a glass of water that is half-full and half-empty, and focuses on how it is half-full. A [[pessimist]] focuses on how it is half-empty. | An [[optimist]] is one who looks at a glass of water that is half-full and half-empty, and focuses on how it is half-full. A [[pessimist]] focuses on how it is half-empty. | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[Voltaire]] mocked the concept in his novel ''[[Candide]]''. | ||
Antonym: [[Pessimist]] | Antonym: [[Pessimist]] | ||
[[category:philosophy]] | [[category:philosophy]] | ||
Revision as of 04:35, May 29, 2008
The term optimist was originally applied to those who adhered to the philosophy of optimism. This declared that the world was the best of all possible worlds, as it was created by God. Therefore even what appeared bad was actually part of God's perfection.
The term came to be used as meaning someone who looks for the positive side of a situation and anticipates the most positive outcome of a venture.
An optimist is one who looks at a glass of water that is half-full and half-empty, and focuses on how it is half-full. A pessimist focuses on how it is half-empty.
Voltaire mocked the concept in his novel Candide.
Antonym: Pessimist