Pessimism

The false idea that there exist problems that cannot be solved; the attitude that we should accept the current state of things or, worse, return to a simpler time with fewer problems.

Pessimism characterizes problem-solvers negatively and denies the possibility of Progress. It is the opposite of The Principle of Optimism. Pessimism produces Stasis — if problems are unsolvable, why try?

Connections

• •Opposite of The Principle of Optimism — which holds all problems are solvable
• •Produces Stasis — resignation to the current state
• •Animates static societies
• •Related to Precautionary Principle — erring on the side of inaction
• •Related to Spaceship Earth — the false idea that nature already provides
• •Instrumentalism and Behaviorism express intellectual pessimism
• •Denies Progress, Creativity, and Error Correction
• •Principle of Mediocrity is a cosmic form of pessimism