On Optimism and Pessimism
There are two types of people in the world.
Although they have equal degrees
of health and wealth and the other comforts of life,
one becomes happy, while the other becomes miserable.
This arises from the different ways in which they consider things,
persons,and events, and the resulting effects upon their minds.
One is said to be optimistic
and the other pessimistic about everything around them.
People who are to be happy
fix their attention on the conveniences of things,
the pleasant parts of conversations,the well-prepared dishes and the fine weather
令人高興的話語,香甜可口的飯菜和清爽宜人的天氣上,
They enjoy all the cheerful things.
Those who are to be unhappy think and speak only of contrary things.
Therefore,they are continually discontented with themselves.
By their remarks, they sour the pleasures of society offend many people,
and make themselves disagreeable everywhere.