Difference between revisions of "Optimist"
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| − | 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 | + | 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. [[Image:Glass-half-full.jpg|thumb|280px]] |
| − | 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]]''. | + | French author [[Voltaire]] mocked the concept in his novel ''[[Candide]]'' (1759), ridiculing [[Leibnitz]]'s notion that this is the best of all possible worlds. |
Antonym: [[Pessimist]] | Antonym: [[Pessimist]] | ||
[[category:philosophy]] | [[category:philosophy]] | ||
Revision as of 12:04, March 23, 2009
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.
French author Voltaire mocked the concept in his novel Candide (1759), ridiculing Leibnitz's notion that this is the best of all possible worlds.
Antonym: Pessimist