I can't be a pessimist because I'm alive. To be a pessimist means that you have agreed that human life is an academic matter.

The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds; and the pessimist fears this is true.

Pessimists are the people who have no hope for themselves or for others. Pessimists are also people who think the human race is beneath their notice, that they're better than other human beings.

Pessimism leads to weakness, optimism to power.

Optimism is denial for chumps with no life experience".
"What's pessimism?" I said.
"Religion without God.

So desperate was Kugel for things to turn out for the best, proclaimed Professor Jove, that he couldn't stop worrying about the worst. Hope, said Professor Jove, was Solomon Kugel's greatest failing.