The Dangers of Optimism

Yes. The Mummy is coming
to get you.

I am a pessimist. When I look at the moon, I am not amazed by its romantic aura or its soothing light. When I come across an opportunity, I jot down the hundred problems that could occur. When I look at Pakistan, I don’t herald hackneyed phrases about a more patriotic and prosperous future. On the other hand, we have the optimists, or the bunny rabbits of Disneyland. When they see the moon, they compare it to the light at the end of the tunnel. When they come across an opportunity, they smile ignorantly and jot down the thousand things they will do, leaving everything else to Nature, or some non-existent natural force. When they look at Pakistan, they chant slogans about resilience, about being loyal to one’s country, about waiting and praying. Then, they return to their American homes.

Now, when you read the paragraph above, you considered it black and white. The pessimist is the villain and the optimist is the hero, assumptions created by the societal belief that pessimism is essentially wrong. “I’m sure everything will be alright”. That’s what his mom had said before the tornado struck and vaporized their houses, swirling them around like rag dolls. The story basically illustrates the fact that optimism breeds irrational idealism- that everything will be alright, that the future will always hold something better, that all that 

happens is for the greater good.

Don't try this at home.

History proves optimism to be mere foolery. In the 1940s, when Hitler had first emerged as the fiery, dynamically arrogant dictator, he had come into conflict with Britain and France. These countries warned Hitler to show restraint- they held talks, provided some incentives and followed the notorious policy of “appeasement”. Under this policy, these countries allowed Germany to fulfill some of its power-hungry, baseless desires for territory and authority. Both countries hoped that this would lead to better relations and prevent a conflict. But we all know what happened next- Hitler went overboard. If they had stopped Hitler earlier, they could have saved a million Jews, prevented a global brawl and saved historians the pain of recording millions of deaths. Think of it this way; optimism might have very well caused the Second World War.

When I talk about pessimism,
I don't mean this.

Optimism also encourages impractical assumptions. The US invaded Afghanistan in 2001, in the buoyant hope that they would kill the terrorists, establish democracy and return to their homes, with peace restored. Luckily, they easily managed to dismantle the control of the insurgents and create a government. That happened in 2001. The war hasn’t ended till 2011- 10 years of barbarian fighting. Over these years, more terrible threats have emerged, instability has spread to Pakistan and casualties have risen. Hence, the war in Afghanistan has been quite a failure, despite the rosy, deceptive picture politicians depict to the public. The prudence of the invasion is another issue- the optimism was the grave mistake.

Optimism leaves you vulnerable, like an open chest on your front porch. Failure hits hard; like an unexpected meteor, while you’re strolling in your garden. Moderate pessimists, on the other hand, are ready for what is ahead- they see it coming, so you can’t tell a pessimist, “I told you so”. They know it themselves. Most people face far more failures in life than successes, so moderate pessimism leads to realism.

Optimism isn’t a sin- but it entangles you in your Disneyland, full of free rides, candy, cartoons, and freedom. Once you get addicted to that realm, it’s hard to come out especially when Mickey Mouse’s face haunts you every night! So, be moderately pessimistic, and the next time you get an opportunity, grab a piece of paper, and start writing: “Possible Problems, Chances of Success are…”