Pessimism

Pessimism is a mental attitude characterized by the tendency to expect unfavorable outcomes and to focus on potential problems. It can refer to a general outlook on life, a particular situation, or a philosophical doctrine that questions the value of positive expectations. In everyday use, pessimism is often contrasted with optimism, but the terms describe attitudes rather than objective facts.

Philosophical pessimism is a lineage within philosophy that contends that suffering, limitation, or evil are widespread or intrinsic to existence. Its most influential figure is Arthur Schopenhauer, who argued that human striving leads to dissatisfaction and that the world is governed by indifferent forces. Philosophical pessimism raises questions about meaning, value, and the possibility of lasting happiness, rather than simply predicting bad outcomes.

In psychology, pessimism can refer to a dispositional attribution style or a temporary mood. A pessimistic attribution style tends to explain negative events as due to stable, global, and internal factors, and is associated with higher risk of depression and anxiety. Some individuals, however, use defensive pessimism—planning for worst-case scenarios to regulate anxiety and improve performance.

Culturally, pessimism appears in literature, cinema, and political discourse as a lens to critique social trends or to temper optimistic rhetoric. Critics argue that persistent pessimism can sap motivation and obscure potential for change, while supporters contend that it promotes realism, precaution, and resilience.