Philosophical pessimism

Each separate misfortune as it comes seems no doubt to be something exceptional, but misfortune in general is the rule." That was Arthur Schopenhauer, one of history's most well-known philosophical pessimists.

I'm Laurence Anton, and this is Look on the Bright Side, a podcast about philosophical pessimism.

Pessimism is a very old philosophy, but also a very neglected and misunderstood one.

Some people might question why it needs a podcast dedicated to it at all, but I think at least one reason is that it helps us in exploring the big questions in life, like is life good, what is the meaning of our lives, and is there any value in existence at all? These are the kinds of questions that pessimism tackles.

To be a pessimist is synonymous with being a moody old man that always sees the worst in things, and someone who always thinks the worst is going to happen.

And don't get me wrong, there are those kinds of pessimists.

But philosophical pessimism as a set of ideas is different, and it's nothing new.

Pessimism has a rich history across different geographies and cultures and religions.