“Pessimism is an attitude that may look brave—and I think this is really quite interesting—because there are certain people who propose it with a rather macho stance, you know: ‘I’m tough enough to see the facts!’

But it’s actually a very cowardly way of dealing with the world. Because if you only think that things can get worse, of course, then there is nothing to do but lie back in your armchair and shake your head at it. Where as, if you think that there is some chance that human action can make the world just slightly better, or even keep it from getting worse, well, you’re actually responsible then for doing something.”

Wise words from moral philosopher, Susan Neiman.

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Painting by Chris Sedgwick

Tags:Chris SedgwickmoralityoptimismpessamismphilosophySusan Neiman