Why does realism sound like pessimism?

[shadowstriker86]

so me and my friends were talkin and the discussion turned to somehow me running for mayor of los angeles and what i'd do to change things. but then a couple of friends of mine were saying that i will become corrupted if i set foot into office. what im hearing is that theres this black beast of darkness that corrupts weak mens souls the minute they drop their guard. sounds like a challenge to me! but then i try to crack a joke and no one laughs because they say its a serious subject we're discussing. now that depresses me. when i can't make people laugh even during a political discussion thats harsh, even with my A material. but why does realism in a conversation sound so depressing? or maybe its just me, i dunno. your thoughts?

 

[shadowstriker86]

Your friends are projecting their weaknesses, their "beasts of darkness" onto you because they want to believe everyone is as weak willed and easily corruptible as them.
And so, in bringing up something they do not want to admit to themselves they lose their sense of humour.

Me, I revel in my corruptibility. Sure I would be a evil bastard and would do shit just to appease my own desires and I freely admit that.
I would just limit my excesses and not push things too far.

Its bad for business.

does that mean that since i have my own agenda and im stubborn as a mule that i'm already corrupted in a certain way?

 

[Jamboxdotcom]

i forget who said it, but: "An optimist sees the world as it should be, a realist sees it as it is, and a pessimist sees both."

 

[Tonimata]

It's quite simple: because reality sucks so bad. I mean, why do you think we have methods of escapism? My point exactly.

 

[emeraldrafael]

Because in a realistic world their are no dragons, magic, or hot girls that want to jump your bones every chance they get.

Seriously though, it sounds like your friends just have sand in their craw because you odnt share their opinion and dont see this as something thats hugely dark.

 

[CrazyCapnMorgan]

Most people can't handle what reality is like. Reality is a cruel thing, especially when you are faced with truth. Obviously, people have differing views on what truth is, but I've found comfort with one man's view of it and have gained a great deal of insight from it...

 

[SckizoBoy]

Only Brits of a certain age will get this, but anyway: there my friend, you've mistaken 'pessimism' for 'cynicism':

Sir Humphrey: 'A cynic, is what an optimist calls a realist.'

 

[Freechoice]

i forget who said it, but: "An optimist sees the world as it should be, a realist sees it as it is, and a pessimist sees both."

Google'd it. Didn't get a match, but found this [http://www.wow4u.com/optimism/index.html].

I like the Oscar Wilde one.
"Between the optimist and the pessimist, the difference is droll. The optimist sees the doughnut; the pessimist the hole!"

 

[KalosCast]

Sounds to me like you just need to improve your "A material"