On Pessimists and Optimists

There once were twin brothers, one of whom was always pessimistic and one who was always optimistic, the proverbial eternal optimist.

This presented an opportunity for scientists to carry out tests and studies, to which the parents agreed.

Accordingly the pessimistic lad was placed in a room full of toys, computer games and other diversions that were the current rage, then left for an hour.

The optimistic boy was placed in a room full of manure for an hour.

After the hour was up, the scientists opened the door of the pessimistic boy’s room and found the toys broken and the computer screen smashed. The boy was mumbling “My brother probably has lots better things than I have. He’s probably having a lot more fun.”

When they opened the optimistic boy’s door they found him still wading through the manure, digging deep with his hands and saying “With all this manure, there must be a pony in here somewhere.”