Optimism vs pessimism is a false dichotomy. Anyone can phrase any question in the format of a yes/no or as for/against, and this is very frequently just a way

Optimism vs pessimism is a false dichotomy. Anyone can phrase any question in the format of a yes/no or as for/against, and this is very frequently just a way of controlling the entire direction of the conversation. A realist would talk about pros/cons together, possibly in equal measure, and possibly not, and will actively resist absolute categorization of the remarks. A skeptic would ask, is your specific degree of optimism/pessimism on this thing warranted, and is this even the thing we want to be talking about? By comparison.. Why would you ever want to talk to an optimist or a pessimist, much less aspire to be either one?