On Tue, 26 Sep 1995, Burton Guttman wrote:

> I once told a group here that I think we have a
> choice between two attitudes: cynicism and pessimism. I advocated
> pessimism. Cynicism, I think, is self-defeating; it suggests opting out
> and saying "the hell with it." Pessimism is realistic, but it allows
> (encourages?) action, fighting the good fight even if we're outnumbered.


Burt, how about "ironic pessimism"? i don't want to give up the black
humor.

dale goble
moscow