The Optimist vs the Pessimist

The optimist turns the impossible into the possible;

the pessimist turns the possible into the impossible.

The optimist pleasantly ponders how high the kite will fly;

the pessimist woefully wonders how soon the kite will fall.

The optimist sees a green near every sand trap;

the pessimist sees a sand trap near every green.

The optimist looks at the horizon and sees an opportunity;

the pessimist peers into the distance and fears a problem.

To the optimist all doors have handles and hinges;

to the pessimist all doors have locks and latches.

The optimist promotes progress, prosperity and plenty;

the pessimist preaches limitations, liabilities and losses.

The optimist accentuates assets, abundance, and advantages;

the pessimist majors in mistakes, misfortunes and misery.

The optimist goes out and finds the bell;

the pessimist gives up and wrings his or her hands.

William Arthur Ward