Are Pessimists Safer?

Tuesday November 3, 2009

I recently visited my friend and colleague Carl Lanore on his Super Human Radio show, and we discussed optimism, pessimism and the ways these perspectives can impact us in the face of crises and setbacks. We had a very interesting discussion, as the topic is more applicable to many people this year than it has been in past years when so many people weren't facing financial stress and all the other stressors that can come with it. One concept that came up is the idea that pessimists may be safer than optimists in some ways. While I still endorse optimism and love the benefits that come with this perspective in life, we discussed how unbridled positive thinking can cause disillusionment when things don't go our way in life.

This is a commonly addressed theme, and many of my readers have had the same question. Here's a more detailed answer to the question: are pessimists better off?

Is It Safer To Be A Pessimist?

More On Optimism, Pessimism, And Positive Psychology

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