The Optimist's/Pessimist's Handbook: A Companion to Hope/Despair

The mere sense of living is joy enough. Emily Dickinson 1830-1886 American poet . Humanitys story is one long testimony to the truth that life is as rewarding and beautiful as you make it. As pioneers inventors and dreamers have always known you can do anything if only you persevere. Ever since we hauled ourselves out of the swamp our history has been one of extraordinary cultural and technological progress of mind-boggling discoveries and remarkable achievements often against the odds. Its no coincidence that you see no statues of pessimists in city squares. Still cynical and doubting voices are heard all too loudly and frequently in public discourse. A potent antidote to their gloom and doom The Optimists Handbook is a joyful explosion of wit and wisdom from our past and present that celebrates the art of greeting life with the excitement it deserves. This handbook will inspire enchant and entertain you as you go forward into all your wonderful tomorrows. Even if after reading it you are not moved to feats of glory for the greater good the fact is that optimists are healthier happier and richer than their gloomy counterparts. Hear that killjoys? . The world is a grindstone and life is your nose. Fred Allen 1894-1956 American humorist . Why beat around the bush? The truth is that life is a never-ending cycle of toil and pain with nothing but death to reward all our suffering. Furthermore what solace is there in blind optimism or fanciful daydreaming when it is perfectly clear that the world is heading toward a complete meltdown whether we live in it or not? Resigning yourself to lifes grim treadmill and thereby avoiding more disappointments is the best way to trudge forward. The Pessimists Handbook is an indispensable companion on your journey through this vale of tears. A clear-sighted realistic look at lifes obstacles this guidebook is stocked with the pearls of wisdom you need to counter the irritating voices of those who trumpet futile positivity and inane confidence in a brighter future. Feel reassured that scores of people share your sense of impending doom...and have done so for centuries. After all misery loves company but not when its a horde of perky utopians.