Another gem from my current favorite book of poetry, “Doubt and Other Things” by Elihu Vedder.

The Optimist

The Optimist asserts that Life
Is like a Persian rug unrolled,
Where all the rainbow hues he sees
Are lovely flowers picked out in gold.

The Pessimist in Life beholds
A poor rag-carpet Fate unfolds
Worn and soiled by the constant tread
Of those who sadly earn their bread.

Truth finds the vaunted Persian rug
Is a mere modern imitation,
And the rag-carpet not so bad,
Needing a little reparation.

—Elihu Vedder

I used to believe that the pessimistic viewpoint was always best, simply for the fact that I really think that the pessimist is disappointed less frequently than the optimist. However, pessimism which is void of hope, is not a good strategy for your overall well being.

This poem contains an important principle—that truth often lies somewhere in-between the pessimistic and optimistic viewpoint.