DEFINITION:
The term “pessimism” refers to a personality trait consisting of the proclivity to interpret the vicissitudes of life in an unfavorable light. It basically represents a lack of existential confidence in one’s ability to cope with the future.
“Pessimism” is the opposite of “optimism” (see the Glossary article, optimism). It is the tendency to “see the glass as half-empty.”
ETYMOLOGY:
The term “pessimism” was introduced into the literature of personality psychology, beginning in the late 1960s, by Martin E.P. Seligman (b. 1942), as a paired concept with “optimism.” For bibliographical details, see the Etymology section of the Glossary article, optimism.
The English noun “pessimism” is attested from the early nineteenth century. It derives, via the French word pessimisme and the German word Pessimismus, from the Classical Latin substantive pessimum. Pessimum, in turn, is the neuter form of the adjective pessimus, meaning “the worst,” which is the superlative form of malus, “bad.”
The word Pessimismus was coined by the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) in his work Der Welt als Wille und Vorstellung [The World as Will and Representation], published in 1818.
DISCUSSION:
Seligman says that optimism and pessimism are best understood as the way in which individuals understand the reasons for the things that occur in their lives.
More specifically, “pessimists” are in the habit of focusing on the negative things that happen to them, while downplaying the positive ones. They doubt their ability to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
Lacking faith in themselves, “pessimists” face the future with trepidation.