--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I'm a pessimist about probabilities; I'm…" description: "\"I'm a pessimist about probabilities; I'm an optimist about possibilities.\" — Lewis Mumford" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a96/lewis-mumford-2870_optimism_i-m-a-pessimist-about-probabilities-i-m_1455188.png" --- # I'm a pessimist about probabilities; I'm an optimist about… ![“I'm a pessimist about probabilities; I'm an optimist about possibilities.” quote by Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a96/lewis-mumford-2870_optimism_i-m-a-pessimist-about-probabilities-i-m_1455188.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a96/lewis-mumford-2870_optimism_i-m-a-pessimist-about-probabilities-i-m_1455188.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a96/lewis-mumford-2870_optimism_i-m-a-pessimist-about-probabilities-i-m_1455188.png) > “I'm a pessimist about probabilities; I'm an optimist about possibilities.” [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. It contrasts a cynical view of likely events with an optimistic view of potential outcomes. **In simple terms:** Pessimism about odds, optimism about chances. Key Takeaway Balance caution with hope. Themes probability possibility mindset Mood thoughtful balanced Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - career planning - investment decisions - creative projects - personal growth Key Concepts risk assessment future thinking Questions to Reflect On - How do you differentiate realistic risk from hopeful speculation? - What opportunities can you pursue despite low odds? A Different Perspective Overly optimistic possibilities may ignore practical constraints. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Optimism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/optimism/) [Optimist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/optimist/) [Optimist Possibilities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/optimist-possibilities-5243066/) [Pessimism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pessimism/) [Pessimist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pessimist/) [Pessimist Probabilities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pessimist-probabilities-5243065/) [Possibility](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/possibility/) [Probabilities](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/probabilities/) [Probabilities Optimist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/probabilities-optimist-5243064/) [Probability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/probability/) ## Related quotes > [“I don't simply create probabilities, I guide them.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lionel-suggs/i-don-t-simply-create-probabilities-i-guide-them/) [Lionel Suggs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lionel-suggs/) > [If an event can be produced by a number n of different causes, the probabilities of the existence of these causes, given the event…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pierre-simon-laplace/if-an-event-can-be-produced-by-a-number-n-of-different-causes-the/) [Pierre-Simon Laplace](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pierre-simon-laplace/) > [The more people you contact, the higher your sales will be because of the law of probabilities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-tracy/the-more-people-you-contact-the-higher-your-sales-will-be-because-of/) [Brian Tracy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-tracy/) > [Our beliefs are not just estimates of probabilities. They are also the instruments that guide our actions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-ortberg/our-beliefs-are-not-just-estimates-of-probabilities-they-are-also-the/) [John Ortberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-ortberg/) > [History cannot be reduced to a set of statistics and probabilities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-greenspan/history-cannot-be-reduced-to-a-set-of-statistics-and-probabilities/) [Alan Greenspan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-greenspan/) > [He who has heard the same thing told by 12,000 eye-witnesses has only 12,000 probabilities, which are equal to one strong probability, which is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/voltaire/he-who-has-heard-the-same-thing-told-by-12-000-eye-witnesses-has-only/) [Voltaire](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/voltaire/) > [As for a future life, every man must judge for himself between conflicting vague probabilities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/charles-darwin/as-for-a-future-life-every-man-must-judge-for-himself-between/) [Charles Darwin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/charles-darwin/) > [The true Logic for this world is the Calculus of Probabilities, which takes account of the magnitude of the probability.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-clerk-maxwell/the-true-logic-for-this-world-is-the-calculus-of-probabilities-which/) [James Clerk Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-clerk-maxwell/) > [Probabilities direct the conduct of the wise man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marcus-tullius-cicero/probabilities-direct-the-conduct-of-the-wise-man/) [Marcus Tullius Cicero](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marcus-tullius-cicero/) > [“If the universe was scientific and just left to itself, then we’d have statistical probabilities to rely on. But once people are involved it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sara-sheridan/if-the-universe-was-scientific-and-just-left-to-itself-then-we-d-have/) [Sara Sheridan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sara-sheridan/) > [Arguments derived from probabilities are idle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/plato/arguments-derived-from-probabilities-are-idle/) [Plato](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/plato/) > [We can never achieve absolute truth but we can live hopefully by a system of calculated probabilities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/agnes-meyer-driscoll/we-can-never-achieve-absolute-truth-but-we-can-live-hopefully-by-a/) [Agnes Meyer Driscoll](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/agnes-meyer-driscoll/) > [Scientists are stuck in this belief that we tell people probabilities, not absolute answers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/stephen-schneider/scientists-are-stuck-in-this-belief-that-we-tell-people-probabilities/) [Stephen Schneider](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/stephen-schneider/) > [It has been pointed out already that no knowledge of probabilities, less in degree than certainty, helps us to know what conclusions are true,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-maynard-keynes/it-has-been-pointed-out-already-that-no-knowledge-of-probabilities/) [John Maynard Keynes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-maynard-keynes/) > [Fear was stronger than the calculation of probabilities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-eliot/fear-was-stronger-than-the-calculation-of-probabilities/) [George Eliot](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-eliot/) ## More by Lewis Mumford > [Restore human legs as a means of travel. Pedestrians rely on food for fuel and need no special parking facilities.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/restore-human-legs-as-a-means-of-travel-pedestrians-rely-on-food-for/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [Mechanical instruments, potentially a vehicle of rational human purposes, are scarcely a blessing when they enable the gossip of the village idiot and the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/mechanical-instruments-potentially-a-vehicle-of-rational-human/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [However far modern science and techniques have fallen short of their inherent possibilities, they have taught mankind at least one lesson; nothing is impossible.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/however-far-modern-science-and-techniques-have-fallen-short-of-their/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [Iron and coal dominated everywhere, from grey to black: the black boots, the black stove-pipe hat, the black coach or carriage, the black iron…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/iron-and-coal-dominated-everywhere-from-grey-to-black-the-black-boots/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [The self holds both a hell and a heaven.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/the-self-holds-both-a-hell-and-a-heaven/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [By his very success in inventing labor-saving devices, modern man has manufactured an abyss of boredom that only the privileged classes in earlier civilizations…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/by-his-very-success-in-inventing-labor-saving-devices-modern-man-has/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [Each person is a temporary focus of forces, vitalities, and values that carry back to an immemorial past and that reach forward into an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/each-person-is-a-temporary-focus-of-forces-vitalities-and-values-that/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [Adventure is humdrum and routine unless one assimilates it, unless one relates it to a central core which grows within and gives it contour…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/adventure-is-humdrum-and-routine-unless-one-assimilates-it-unless-one/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [Safety razors make it hard to grow beards in America: America would be a better place if there were a few bearded, savage, terrible…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/safety-razors-make-it-hard-to-grow-beards-in-america-america-would-be/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [A society that gives to one class all the opportunities for leisure, and to another all the burdens of work, dooms both classes to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/a-society-that-gives-to-one-class-all-the-opportunities-for-leisure/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [Without leisure there can be neither art nor science nor fine conversation, nor any ceremonious performance of the offices of love and friendship.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/without-leisure-there-can-be-neither-art-nor-science-nor-fine/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [Not sense data or atoms or electrons or packets of energy, but purposes, interests, and meanings, constitute the underlying facts of human experience.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/not-sense-data-or-atoms-or-electrons-or-packets-of-energy-but/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [When cities were first founded, an old Egyptian scribe tells us, the mission of the founder was to 'put gods in their shrines.' The…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/when-cities-were-first-founded-an-old-egyptian-scribe-tells-us-the/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [“Forget the damned motor car and built cities for lovers and friends .”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/forget-the-damned-motor-car-and-built-cities-for-lovers-and-friends/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) > [Western society has accepted as unquestionable a technological imperative that is quite as arbitrary as the most primitive taboo: not merely the duty to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/western-society-has-accepted-as-unquestionable-a-technological/) [Lewis Mumford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) [Explore all 146 Lewis Mumford quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/) ## More Optimism quotes > [Spring training means flowers, people coming outdoors, sunshine, optimism and baseball. Spring training is a time to think about being young again.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ernie-banks/spring-training-means-flowers-people-coming-outdoors-sunshine/) [Ernie Banks](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ernie-banks/) > [The late 1990s were really a moment of still tremendous hope and optimism about the relationship between Russia and the United States.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/antony-blinken/the-late-1990s-were-really-a-moment-of-still-tremendous-hope-and/) [Antony Blinken](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/antony-blinken/) > [Wherever I go I'm always wearing my smile.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ewshy/wherever-i-go-i-m-always-wearing-my-smile/) [Ewshy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ewshy/) > [If you can find as much happiness at the bottom of the ladder of success as you can at the top, then you understand…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-krause/if-you-can-find-as-much-happiness-at-the-bottom-of-the-ladder-of/) [Tom Krause](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-krause/) > [Oh, dear Hazel.” Aphrodite folded her fan. “Such optimism, yet you have heartrending days ahead of you. Of course war is coming. Love and…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-riordan/oh-dear-hazel-aphrodite-folded-her-fan-such-optimism-yet-you-have/) [Rick Riordan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-riordan/) > [When everything feels like an uphill struggle, just think of the view from the top.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/when-everything-feels-like-an-uphill-struggle-just-think-of-the-view/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“Hope is not mere optimism; rather, it is moving forward in anticipation of redemption in spite of the improbability of rescue.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dan-b-allender/hope-is-not-mere-optimism-rather-it-is-moving-forward-in-anticipation/) [Dan B. Allender](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dan-b-allender/) > [The still youthful energies of the globe have only to be directed in their proper channel.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/the-still-youthful-energies-of-the-globe-have-only-to-be-directed-in/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) > [I'm a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of will.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/antonio-gramsci/i-m-a-pessimist-because-of-intelligence-but-an-optimist-because-of/) [Antonio Gramsci](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/antonio-gramsci/) > [Be of good cheer. Do not think of today's failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/helen-keller/be-of-good-cheer-do-not-think-of-today-s-failures-but-of-the-success/) [Helen Keller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/helen-keller/) > [“Instead of worrying about what you cannot control, focus your energy on what you can create.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-bennett/instead-of-worrying-about-what-you-cannot-control-focus-your-energy/) [Roy Bennett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-bennett/) > [“How little one is justified in speaking in this connection of "optimism" and "pessimism" and how much the characterization of liberalism as "optimistic" aims…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ludwig-von-mises/how-little-one-is-justified-in-speaking-in-this-connection-of/) [Ludwig von Mises](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ludwig-von-mises/) > [Optimism. It's not just a mind-set, it is behavior.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/larry-elder/optimism-it-s-not-just-a-mind-set-it-is-behavior/) [Larry Elder](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/larry-elder/) > [“There are five important things for living a successful and fulfilling life: never stop dreaming, never stop believing, never give up, never stop trying,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roy-bennett/there-are-five-important-things-for-living-a-successful-and/) [Roy Bennett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roy-bennett/) > [Lifes difficulties can seem overwhelming, and you may face times when problems seem encompassing. Dont look back at what youve lost, for the road…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/lifes-difficulties-can-seem-overwhelming-and-you-may-face-times-when/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) [Browse all 2,625 Optimism quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/optimism/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I'm a pessimist about probabilities; I'm an optimist about possibilities.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lewis Mumford" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/i-m-a-pessimist-about-probabilities-i-m-an-optimist-about/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Optimism" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/i-m-a-pessimist-about-probabilities-i-m-an-optimist-about/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a96/lewis-mumford-2870_optimism_i-m-a-pessimist-about-probabilities-i-m_1455188.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a96/lewis-mumford-2870_optimism_i-m-a-pessimist-about-probabilities-i-m_1455188.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a96/lewis-mumford-2870_optimism_i-m-a-pessimist-about-probabilities-i-m_1455188.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“I'm a pessimist about probabilities; I'm an optimist about possibilities.” — Lewis Mumford", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Lewis Mumford", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lewis-mumford/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "I'm a pessimist about probabilities; I'm...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/i-m-a-pessimist-about-probabilities-i-m-an-optimist-about/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lewis-mumford/i-m-a-pessimist-about-probabilities-i-m-an-optimist-about/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```