A cynical optimist rejects the position that 'realism' is the only alternative to the extremes of pessimism and optimism. Instead, cynical optimism emphasizes that a reality can be sustained through a blending of the extremes. Indeed, cynical optimists would argue that the blending best describes the "reality" that "realists" have thus far failed to suitably articulate.
A: So, from a cynical optimists point of view - what IS the meaning of life?
B: We're all going to die. And many of us will die slowly and painfully. Then again, we're probably not going to die today. More importantly, MOST of our days, we're going to live; and only on one of them will we die. That's ... not such a bad deal. And, even if WERE a bad deal, it's the only deal in town. So, I'd make the most of the mundane while you still can.
A: How does that significantly differentiate you from existentialists?
B: Dude! Because I'm submitting to Urban Dictionary, not Cambridge University Press.
B: We're all going to die. And many of us will die slowly and painfully. Then again, we're probably not going to die today. More importantly, MOST of our days, we're going to live; and only on one of them will we die. That's ... not such a bad deal. And, even if WERE a bad deal, it's the only deal in town. So, I'd make the most of the mundane while you still can.
A: How does that significantly differentiate you from existentialists?
B: Dude! Because I'm submitting to Urban Dictionary, not Cambridge University Press.
by AKA GG March 28, 2022
The practice of using camera angles and strategic cropping to alter the subject of the photograph's perceived attractiveness. When used in conjunction with photo-manipulation, it can be a potent and effective means of convincing others that this individual is not fat and/or ugly.
Optimistic Photography is seen primarily in social media, most prevalently on dating sites. A person exploiting optimistic photography will use it to extract features which are unattractive, and shift attention to those which are more attractive.
When the compounding effect of alcohol is added, the mind of the drinker can confuse the earlier (first) impression of the subject with the cold, hard, unfortunate truths of reality and fact. The optimism lurks quietly in the mind of the victim.
For educational purposes only:
1) A downward camera angle can hide the volume (and thus, mass) of a person.
2) Taking a picture of oneself (close range) will also hide the shear size and volume of the subject.
3) Elongating the jaw or using unnatural facial expressions during a photograph can give the illusion of a thinner (and leaner) face. This can, in turn, alter the perception of a person's baseline attractiveness
4) A blurry picture, bright flash, or blown out contrast can also hide blemishes or wrinkles which may appear in reality.
Note: Publishing old pictures, while misleading, does not fall under this definition, but would still be considered trickery, of which optimistic photography is a form.
Optimistic Photography is seen primarily in social media, most prevalently on dating sites. A person exploiting optimistic photography will use it to extract features which are unattractive, and shift attention to those which are more attractive.
When the compounding effect of alcohol is added, the mind of the drinker can confuse the earlier (first) impression of the subject with the cold, hard, unfortunate truths of reality and fact. The optimism lurks quietly in the mind of the victim.
For educational purposes only:
1) A downward camera angle can hide the volume (and thus, mass) of a person.
2) Taking a picture of oneself (close range) will also hide the shear size and volume of the subject.
3) Elongating the jaw or using unnatural facial expressions during a photograph can give the illusion of a thinner (and leaner) face. This can, in turn, alter the perception of a person's baseline attractiveness
4) A blurry picture, bright flash, or blown out contrast can also hide blemishes or wrinkles which may appear in reality.
Note: Publishing old pictures, while misleading, does not fall under this definition, but would still be considered trickery, of which optimistic photography is a form.
Oh my god, Holly looks about 100 lbs. (45 kg.) heavier than on her Myspace. Her optimistic photography almost sent me cow tipping!
I want to shake the hand of the optimistic photographer who ironed out her beat-ass face!
My blind date must have actually thought I was blind. She looks NOTHING like her optimistic profile picture!
I want to shake the hand of the optimistic photographer who ironed out her beat-ass face!
My blind date must have actually thought I was blind. She looks NOTHING like her optimistic profile picture!
by BigBOAT March 17, 2011
telling yourself that the outcome of a situation will undoubtedly be pleasant; when knowing that the truth is that it will not, so that your artificial smile and laughter will not and cannot be undistinguished between true and false. ultimately living a "happy" and "carefree" lifestyle that many people envy, not knowing that you are as miserable as they are. you just dont show it in public as they do. your glass has water in it. whether it is half full or half empty doesnt matter, but there's water in it and it's constantly getting filled and consumed
Optimistic pessimism isn't bad.
by Jeremy Beck February 12, 2008
A term that employs irrational joy and hope in near dire situations despite all definable logic. Usually those employing such feelings find that situations work out in the end by twisting their logic to fit their needs.
Usually those who are a Relentless Optimist, are stubborn, high energy, positive, and every so often annoying, but always eager to keep going and do what they feel is the right thing.
Usually those who are a Relentless Optimist, are stubborn, high energy, positive, and every so often annoying, but always eager to keep going and do what they feel is the right thing.
Despite not getting into NYU, the Relentless Optimist believed that he would go where was right for him.
by Relentless Optimist November 8, 2010
a spliff smoked after breakfast and before dinner with close friends. Typically followed by reading and low-fi music, or casual conversation.
by Thomas j! August 16, 2007
When you believe all of humanity is driven by self-interest, but that humanity also has an innate desire to feel good about themselves, and that's a possibility for a person to act kindly. such as actively recycling out of a sense of legacy/guilt.
I could just be cynically optimistic right now, but I think that guy only helped that lady across the rode so he could feel morally superior .
by realistically depressed January 23, 2018
by Peter31731 April 18, 2019