Pessimism is only the name that men of weak nerves give to wisdom.

Pessimism is only the name that men of weak nerves give to wisdom.

A man may be a pessimistic determinist before lunch and an optimistic believer in the will's freedom after it.

A man may be a pessimistic determinist before lunch and an optimistic believer in the will's freedom after it.

Pessimism is, in brief, playing the sure game. You cannot lose at it; you may gain. It is the only read more

Pessimism is, in brief, playing the sure game. You cannot lose at it; you may gain. It is the only view of life in which you can never be disappointed. Having reckoned what to do in the worst possible circumstances, when better arise, as they may, life becomes child's play.

I doubt anyone will ever see -- anywhere -- a memorial to a pessimist.

I doubt anyone will ever see -- anywhere -- a memorial to a pessimist.

Cheer up, the worst is yet to come.

Cheer up, the worst is yet to come.

Pessimists are usually kind. The gay, bubbling over, have to time for the pitiful.

Pessimists are usually kind. The gay, bubbling over, have to time for the pitiful.

How many pessimists end up by desiring the things they fear, in order to prove that they are right?

How many pessimists end up by desiring the things they fear, in order to prove that they are right?

I am not a pessimist; to perceive evil where it exists is, in my opinion, a form of optimism.

I am not a pessimist; to perceive evil where it exists is, in my opinion, a form of optimism.

A pessimist is a man who thinks everybody is as nasty as himself.

A pessimist is a man who thinks everybody is as nasty as himself.