Pessimists and Cynics
Are they really worse off? Am I?
A simple google search seems to confirm that the world belongs to optimists. They are healthier and wealthier than their pessimistic peers.
According to the Harvard Medical School, there is a strong correlation between optimism and health and longevity.
In addition, optimists are better at money management.
“After controlling for wealth, income, skills, and other demographics to level the playing field, the data clearly showed that optimists were significantly more likely to experience better financial health than pessimists, and engage in healthier habits with their money.” (Michelle Gielan, Harvard Business Review)
How is it then that I am very healthy for my age and my net worth puts me in the top 10% percent for all Americans? Can a pessimistic outlook and cynical world view really be that bad? Perhaps I can make a case that pessimistic assumptions can lead to positive outcomes.
First of all, pessimists do not lack self-confidence, do not believe the world will end tomorrow, and do not cry into their pillow every night. To me, pessimism means strength. If I assume that my terrible job will get worse (which it probably will), I can find the strength to quit and find a better job.
Wait a minute, you say. Isn’t that optimism? If I dislike my job, there will always be a better one for me. Not really. A pessimist does not believe that a new job is necessarily better and is more realistic as to certain outcomes. Pessimists are realists at heart.
Because of that, pessimism may also bring more joy than optimism. If I perform a “worst case analysis” and assume that I will sell my house for 20k less than Zillow tells me it’s worth, I would be very happy if I can sell it for 10% more than that. If, on the other hand, the house does sell for 20k less, at least I will not be disappointed. Zillow’s valuations are known to be inflated by about 10% in many markets, so selling for 10% less would be a realistic assumption.
An optimist who always assumes good outcomes must certainly be disappointed if the positive expectations do not pan out. I do a “worst case analysis” for everything in my life and often get a positive surprise. Is that not better than constant disappointment?
The same argument could be made for cynicism. If I assume the worst about human nature and believe that we are all self-centered and egoistical, then people surprise me in delightful ways with their caring and altruistic nature — every day. At the same time, I will not fall prey to those who want to lie to me, steal from me, or betray me.
When I got a phone call recently, supposedly from the IRS, threatening me with consequences if I didn’t pay what I owed, my cynicism emerged in full force. “The IRS does not call people; the send mail. I do not owe taxes. You are very ignorant if you believe you can scam me into falling for your ruse. And, by the way, I am recording this phone call.”
It made “click,” and that was the end of that.
I know people who are much too gullible. They could use a good dose of cynicism. It is always amazing to me how many people fall for the absurdest scams — when a little skepticism (coupled with the cynical assumption that people will often try to take advantage of others) would save the day.
I also have a strength that I think is connected to my cynical nature. I never hold a grudge. This is very useful to me in the classroom. If a student misbehaves, I expect it. Of course, you tried to cheat on your essay. Everyone cheats. But I caught you, so your second draft better be in your own words, or I will catch you again and call it plagiarism.
How many socialist (and other) systems have tried to create a utopian society where people cared more about the common good than about their own advantages? — Quite a few! How many have succeeded? — None!
But to a cynic, human failings are not a source of pain or great aggravation. Of course, we fail every day. It’s no big deal. It’s easy then to not hold a grudge. It’s also easy to forgive. A friend takes out her anger on me. I know she is angry with her husband. She will be a good friend to me again when things calm down.
So I will live for the rest of my days as a happy and content pessimist and cynic, expecting the worst but always happy to be disappointed in that assumption.