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Which is worse to be overly optimistic or cynical? Please explain your thinking

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6 Answers to "Which is worse to be overly optimistic or cynical? Please explain your thinking"

  1. GwydionFrost - 46-50 years old - male

    Posted by GwydionFrost Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:02PM

    Overly optimistic is worse. It is a continual rain of disappointment.

    Overly cynical is best. You are constantly surprised in a good way!

    Like (3)

  2. grayday104 - 22-25 years old - male

    Reply by grayday104 Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:04PM

    I think both are good but in moderation

    Like (1)

  3. GwydionFrost - 46-50 years old - male

    Reply by GwydionFrost Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:32PM

    But you didn't ask about "in moderation". You clearly wanted to know which was worse in an overly way...!

    Like (1)

    1 more reply
  4. bijouxbroussard - 46-50 years old - female

    Posted by bijouxbroussard Nov 16th, 2012 at 5:01PM

    Depends on how it motivates you. Some people let their optimism encourage them to try harder, others assume it means everything's going to work out anyway and don't bother.
    Some people who are cynical take a "things can't get any worse" attitude and if it's good they're pleasantly surprised, if not it's what they expected. Others allow cynicism to shut them down and use it as an excuse not to do anything at all.

    Like (1)

  5. grayday104 - 22-25 years old - male

    Reply by grayday104 Nov 16th, 2012 at 5:21PM

    Motivation another word I use often but why be motivated if it's all just going to work out?

    Like (1)

  6. ob1kenobe - 46-50 years old - male

    Posted by ob1kenobe Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:12PM

    Is it still regarded as being cynical if you're right?

    Like (1)

  7. grayday104 - 22-25 years old - male

    Reply by grayday104 Nov 16th, 2012 at 5:21PM

    good question

    Like (1)

  8. imabear - 51-55 years old - female

    Posted by imabear Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:05PM

    I guess it depends on how quickly you can bounce back. If you're overly optimistic you are bound to be disappointed just by the law of averages. Will you be able to maintain that optimism in the face of repeated disappointment? On the other hand, while you might not have the disappointment if you are cynical, you might no try very hard either which will lessen chances (of course, there is that old saying that cynics are just disillisioned idealists....).

    I wish they'd fix the spell check thingy...sorry for any typos

    Like (1)

  9. grayday104 - 22-25 years old - male

    Reply by grayday104 Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:07PM

    Don't worry about the typos but you made good points unfortunately my bro believes he can beat the average I guess that makes me Two Face

    Like (1)

  10. imabear - 51-55 years old - female

    Reply by imabear Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:10PM

    Keep him away from Vegas

    Like (1)

    1 more reply
  11. AllStarcrushNate - 26-30 years old - male

    Posted by AllStarcrushNate Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:03PM

    Hmmmm. Both can be detrimental at times. But I might say overly optimistic is worse because it can make for really painful disappointment. Ya know not everything works out or goes our way, so can't put too much stock in it, otherwise we let our OWN selves down.

    Like (1)

  12. grayday104 - 22-25 years old - male

    Reply by grayday104 Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:04PM

    Yeah I worry for my bro but he assures me it'll all work out for him

    Like (1)

  13. AllStarcrushNate - 26-30 years old - male

    Reply by AllStarcrushNate Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:07PM

    No, life don't work that way. He may be right, he may be wrong, but in all cases he most certainly needs to be ready if he's wrong.

    Like (1)

    1 more reply
  14. WizGeezer - 56-60 years old - male

    Posted by WizGeezer Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:01PM

    PMA is best (Positive Mental Attitude).

    Like (1)

  15. grayday104 - 22-25 years old - male

    Reply by grayday104 Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:02PM

    Well you didn't really answer the question

    Like (1)

  16. WizGeezer - 56-60 years old - male

    Reply by WizGeezer Nov 16th, 2012 at 4:12PM

    Overly cynical is worse because that gives people a reason not to try anything and not trust anyone and makes the world an ugly place.

    Like (1)

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