PESSIMISM QUOTES IV

quotations about pessimism

The test of all beliefs is their practical effect in life. If it be true that optimism compels the world forward, and pessimism retards it, then it is dangerous to propagate a pessimistic philosophy.

HELEN KELLER

Optimism: An Essay

Tags: Helen Keller


Pessimism: A valuable protection against quackery.

JOHN RALSTON SAUL

The Doubter's Companion

Tags: John Ralston Saul


If pessimism is true, happiness is nothing but a chimera, and to make it the end of conduct is to bid oneself and others to grasp at the unattainable.

JAMES SULLY

Pessimism: A History and a Criticism


My pessimism extends to the point of even suspecting the sincerity of other pessimists.

JEAN ROSTAND

Journal of a Character

Tags: Jean Rostand


It will scarcely be doubted, therefore, that there does exist a real and a very grave danger lest Poetry should, in these perplexing and despondent days, not only be closely associated with Pessimism, but should become for the most part its voice and echo.

ALFRED AUSTIN

The Bridling of Pegasus

Tags: Alfred Austin


A pessimist is a man who has been compelled to live with an optimist.

ELBERT HUBBARD

The American Bible

Tags: Elbert Hubbard


It takes a fine sense of pessimism to brood with any sort of respectability.

BRANDON SANDERSON

Elantris


If I make dark my countenance,
I shut my life from happier chance.

ALFRED TENNYSON

The Two Voices

Tags: Alfred Tennyson


Pessimism becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy; it reproduces itself by crippling our willingness to act.

HOWARD ZINN

You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train

Tags: Howard Zinn