Our notion of an optimist is a man who knowing that each year was worse than the preceding, thinks next year will be better. And a pessimist is a man who knows the next year can't be worse than the last one.
Franklin P. AdamsRead
Seeing ourselves as others see us would probably confirm our worst suspicions about them.
Interpretation
Understanding how others perceive us can reveal uncomfortable truths about ourselves.
This quote suggests that when we gain insight into how others view us, it may affirm our negative beliefs about their judgments. The idea implies that self-awareness can sometimes lead to disheartening realizations, as it may validate our fear that we are not as favorable in the eyes of others as we would hope to be.
In practice
During a discussion on personal growth, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of understanding others' viewpoints.
Our notion of an optimist is a man who knowing that each year was worse than the preceding, thinks next year will be better. And a pessimist is a man who knows the next year can't be worse than the last one.
There are plenty of good five-cent cigars in the country. The trouble is they cost a quarter. What this country needs is a good five-cent nickel.
The trouble with this country is that there are too many politicians who believe, with a conviction based on experience, that you can fool all of the people all of the time.
Nothing is more responsible for the good old days than a bad memory.
The world of crime is a last refuge of the authentic, uncorrupted, spontaneous event.
Poor people never, or hardly ever, ask for an explanation of all they have to put up with. They hate one another, and content themselves with that.
Publication is to thinking as childbirth is to the first kiss.
That's my only defense against this world: to build a sentence out of it.
Travelling is almost like talking with those of other centuries.
Anytime someone says your God is ugly and you release your God and join their God, there is no hope for your freedom until you once more believe in your own concept of the 'deity.'
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