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optimism quotes

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“The reason we all like to think so well of others is that we are all afraid for ourselves. The basis of optimism is sheer terror.” Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray
“If you pretend to be good, the world takes you very seriously. If you pretend to be bad, it doesn’t. Such is the astounding stupidity of optimism.” Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan
“Many times in romance I have been a victim of my own optimism.” Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love
“OPTIMISM, n. The doctrine, or belief, that everything is beautiful, including what is ugly, everything good, especially the bad, and everything right that is wrong.” Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary
“There were many dark moments when my faith in humanity was sorely tested, but I would not and could not give myself up to despair. That way lay defeat and death.” Nelson Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom
“Having said this, I still believe there are grounds for cautious optimism that we may now be near the end of the search for the ultimate laws of nature.” Stephen Hawking, A Brief History of Time
“If this is the best of possible worlds, what then are the others?” Voltaire, Candide
“The reason of my waking mind tells me that great evil has befallen and we stand at the end of days. But my heart says nay; and all my limbs are light, and a hope and joy are come to me that no reason can deny.” J. R. R. Tolkien, The Return of the King
“OPTIMIST, n. A proponent of the doctrine that black is white.” Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary

Related topics

hope beautiful terror belief heart stupidity nature good world romance faith disappointment contradiction pretending laws research

Related authors

Oscar Wilde (2)
Ambrose Bierce (2)
Nelson Mandela (1)
J. R. R. Tolkien (1)
Stephen Hawking (1)
Voltaire (1)
Elizabeth Gilbert (1)

Related sources

The Devil's Dictionary (2)
Long Walk to Freedom (1)
The Picture of Dorian Gray (1)
A Brief History of Time (1)
The Return of the King (1)
Candide (1)
Eat, Pray, Love (1)
Lady Windermere's Fan (1)