Pessimism

pessimism, philosophical opinion or doctrine that evil predominates over good; the opposite of optimism. Systematic forms of pessimism may be found in philosophy and religion. In religion Buddhism and Hinduism pessimistically appraise the world, while Christianity's pessimism is more restricted. Numerous philosophers have been pessimistic, notably Arthur Schopenhauer in the 19th cent. and Martin Heidegger in the 20th cent.

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Pessimism

See also Cynicism, Skepticism.

Calamity Jane (Martha Jane Canary

or Martha Burke, 1852–1903) frontierswoman; mannish prophetess of doom. [Am. Hist.: Flexner, 71]

Cassandra

no credence ever given to her truthful prophecies of doom. [Gk. Myth.: Zimmerman, 51]

City of Dreadful Night, The

expresses a passionate faith in pessimism as the only sensible philosophy. [Br. Poetry: James Thomson The City of Dreadful Night in Benét, 202]

Gerontion

old man who deplores aging, aridity, and spiritual decay and despairs of civilization. [Br. Poetry: Benét, 391]

Gloomy Gus

one with a pessimistic outlook on the world. [Am. Usage: Misc.]

Heraclitus

(535–475 B.C.) “Weeping Philosopher”; grieved over man’s folly. [Gk. Hist.: Brewer Dictionary, 1146]

Micaiah

always prophesied misfortune for King Ahab. [O.T.: I Kings 22:8]

Murphy’s Law “If

anything can go wrong, it will.” [Am. Culture: Wallechinsky, 480]

Schopenhauer, Arthur

(1788–1860) German philosopher known for philosophy of pessimism. [Ger. Hist.: NCE, 2447]