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Environment & Energy

bananas

(27,509 posts)

5. That depends on what you mean.

Reply to XemaSab (Original post)

Mon Jun 25, 2012, 12:42 AM

Jun 2012

the opposite of optimistic is pessimistic, not cynical, a person can be both or neither.

and what you mean by "in general" isn't what other people mean by "in general".

The peak oilers who thought civilization would collapse in 2006 thought I was optimistic, but actually I was cynical about peak oilers.

The anti-science pro-nukes thought I was pessimistic when I told them not to believe the absurdly low cost estimates, but actually I was being realistic about the costs and cynical about the nuclear industry and its bullshit PR campaign.

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Highlight:

When it comes to energy and the environment [View all] XemaSab Jun 2012 OP

Sadly, I think humans in general are hardwired to be shortsighted, selfish and greedy. NRaleighLiberal Jun 2012 #1

I think we've run out of time agent46 Jun 2012 #2

Optimistic. I see & hear more and more about the issues and solution oriented ideas. pinto Jun 2012 #3

I know several young people with engineering interests in alternative energies. If we can patrice Jun 2012 #4

That depends on what you mean. bananas Jun 2012 #5

I'll put you down for cynical XemaSab Jun 2012 #6

I'm realistic. nt bananas Jun 2012 #7