OPTIMISM, n. The doctrine, or belief, that everything is…
“OPTIMISM, n. The doctrine, or belief, that everything is beautiful, including what is ugly, everything good, especially the bad, and everything right that is wrong. It is held with greatest tenacity by those most accustomed to the mischance of falling into adversity, and is most acceptably expounded with the grin that apes a smile. Being a blind faith, it is inaccessible to the light of disproof --an intellectual disorder, yielding to no treatment but death. It is hereditary, but fortunately not contagious.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Optimism is described as a stubborn belief that all is beautiful, even the ugly, and is a self‑defeating, inherited disorder.
In simple terms: Optimism is a blind, stubborn belief in beauty everywhere.
Key Takeaway
Question the limits of blind optimism.
Themes
optimism
philosophy
psychology
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- mental health
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
self‑deception
resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- When does optimism become denial?
- How can one balance hope with realism?
A Different Perspective
Blind optimism can ignore reality.