Considering optimists and pessimists, optimists are more fun to be around.

 

That applies except, according to some, when one is in misery...then, similar company is enjoyed.

 

The point here: optimism is most valuable when it is within the zone of realism. 

 

Optimists can be annoying and disruptive.

 

The most extreme optimists can annoy almost everyone they deal with.

 

For optimism to contribute value it must fit within the bounds of realism.

 

The challenge is: realism is subjective (1).

 

Apparently, some of Guglielmo Marconi's relatives, including his father, thought Marconi was a bit of a lunatic. Marconi, of course, became an acclaimed inventor and a pioneer in the science of wireless transmissions. In that situation, the realists were wrong and Marconi's thoughts were prescient, not the imaginative rantings of a lunatic. Realism is subjective.

 

To the extent realists wish to influence optimists, realists need to base their influence on accurate thinking.

 

To the extent optimists wish to create change for the better, optimists need to accurately focus their optimism.

 

 

Footnote:

 

(1) Realism is subjective. And, regardless of how well it is packaged in logical argument, subjectivity is often at the mercy of emotions.