pessimism

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pessimism

pessimism philosophical opinion or doctrine that evil predominates over good; the opposite of optimism. Systematic forms of pessimism may be found in philosophy and religion. In religion Buddhism and Hinduism pessimistically appraise the world, while Christianity's pessimism is more restricted. Numerous philosophers have been pessimistic, notably Arthur Schopenhauer in the 19th cent. and Martin Heidegger in the 20th cent.

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"pessimism." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 16 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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pessimism

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English | 2009 | © The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English 2009, originally published by Oxford University Press 2009. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

pes·si·mism / ˈpesəˌmizəm/ • n. a tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen; a lack of hope or confidence in the future: the dispute cast an air of deep pessimism over the future of the peace talks. ∎ Philos. a belief that this world is as bad as it could be or that evil will ultimately prevail over good. DERIVATIVES: pes·si·mist n.

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pessimism

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology | 1996 | | Â© The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology 1996, originally published by Oxford University Press 1996. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

pessimism †the worst condition possible XVIII; tendency to look at the worst aspect of things XIX. f. L. pessimus worst + -ISM, on the model of OPTIMISM.

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T. F. HOAD. "pessimism." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. 16 Dec. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

T. F. HOAD. "pessimism." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Encyclopedia.com. (December 16, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-pessimism.html

T. F. HOAD. "pessimism." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology. 1996. Retrieved December 16, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O27-pessimism.html

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