Randolph Nesse, responding to the Edge Question of the Year, What are you optimistic about?:
Pessimism is not a problem, it is a useful emotional state. When the boat overturns a mile out to sea, optimism about one’s ability to swim to shore is deadly. When a hurricane is approaching, optimism is fine nine times out of ten, then comes Katrina. When deciding whether to invade a foreign country, optimism about receiving a warm welcome can result in a catastrophe that changes the whole course of history for the worse.
The tendency to think optimism is superior to pessimism is a deep-rooted illusion. Optimism is useful in propitious situations. Pessimism is useful in dangerous situations. For the fortunate, life now is vastly safer and more secure than it was, so pessimism is less necessary.
My friend Lesli is convinced there are happy genes, and some people were lucky enough to have been born with a good supply of them. My operative view of the world is best summed up by an exchange between Laurie Anderson and John Cage. During her interview with the composer/conceptualist for Tricycle magazine, Anderson asked Cage if the world was getting worse or getting better. He answered her without hesitation: Of course it is getting better. It’s just that it is happening. So. Slowly.