2+2=4
2+2=3 is too small, i.e. wrong in the direction of being too small
2+2=4 is too wrong in the direction of being too large
Likewise, optimism is wrong in being too hopeful, pessimism is wrong in being too fearful.
What you said though is that:
Pessimism is a vital component for any healthy society
So being wrong is a vital component of being right? It is an issue with the phrasing. It is not "pessimism" that is necessary, but a willingness to look at the things that may cause us fear - though your phrasing indicated that pessimism itself was the necessary component, which is what I disagreed with.
Rhynoplaz@lemmy.world 6 days ago
I see what you’re saying, but perspective is not equatable to a math equation. An optimist and a pessimist can both have a complete understanding of the facts, but one predicts that things will get better, and the other predicts that things will get worse, and eventually, given enough time, they’ll both be right.
There is no such thing as a realist. That’s just what someone calls themselves when they don’t realize that their perspective is flawed and unique to themselves.