Reply #3: I figure the optimists reproduce like crazy when times are good... [View All]

... and die like crazy when times are bad.

The pessimists just plod along avoiding the drama as best they are able.

My pessimistic ancestors as far back as I can trace them were always very good at walking or sailing away just before things turned to shit. They managed to sidestep all the wars, famines, and financial meltdowns of the past 300 years. Our family motto ought to be, "Fuck this, I'm outta here." My ancestors would often walk when all the optimists were still planting potatoes, or marching with patriotic or religious fervor, or borrowing money to buy bubbling stocks and bonds and property

I've always got my escape planned because I never expect prosperity to last. I'm certain this pessimism is an innate expression of my genes.