Common Quote by E. M. Delafield
“Does not a misplaced optimism exist, common to all mankind, leading on to false conviction that social engagements, if dated sufficiently far ahead, will never really materialize?”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Unbearable Lightness of Being? No, actually unknown source
Optimism about future social events can blind us to realistic expectations, causing disappointment.
In simple terms: Blind optimism leads to false expectations.
Key Takeaway
Check expectations against reality.
Themes
optimism
expectation
disappointment
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
advisory
When to use this quote
- planning events
- relationship expectations
- project timelines
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
future forecasting
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance hope and practicality?
- What evidence do you need before committing?
A Different Perspective
Optimism can be useful when tempered with realism.
![“Optimism is a much more enabling mindset than hard-core realism, and it's far superior to pessimism...[because] Hope helps move us in the direction of our goals and ambitions.” quote by Price Pritchett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/768/price-pritchett-12389_ambition_optimism-is-a-much-more-enabling-mindset_1079158.jpg)
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
