Replies to post #4580 on A.I.M. Users Bulletin Board (AIMUSERS)

[Rien]

Maybe it is indeed semantics, but I would tend to think that all "realists" start out as optimists. :-)
If you were not an optimist, you would NEVER start a company. I have often heard that "if I'd know what I was getting myself into.." etc. So that would pretty much rule out the realists.

Anyway I refuse to give up my optimism!

I just remember something: luck.
What is luck? I believe luck is seeing a chance AND taking it. That IMHO takes some optimism. The believe that "you can do it" or that something good MIGHT come of it.


Best,
Rien.

[Qarel]

Sorry: optimism etc.

First of, this started as a rant, and I respect rants. I like to rant myself once in a while. But now this threatens (or threatened) to develop into a serious discussion! There are of course several definitions of optimism, pessimism and realism. Now pessimism and optimism are always opposites (when you pick analogical definitions) and with some definitions it is possible to have realism squat in the middle of them. In that case, you have to define both optimism and pessimism as unrealistic. Psychologically speaking, the jury seems to be still out on this qualification. There are cases where it is realistic to be optimistic (or pessimistic), so to say.

http://www.google.com/search?q=realism+optimism+pessimism+psychology

Have fun
(or should I say Get Real ? ;-)

Karel