Editor’s Column: The grateful pessimist

For brief periods in my life I’ve attempted to be an optimist—someone who expects the best, is hopeful for the future and has faith in the good of humanity in general. Optimism is supposed to be good for you, mentally and physically. My forays into optimism never last long. Circumstances beyond my control—sudden death, accidents, liars, stupidity, narcissists, corruption, manipulators, cheaters, natural disasters, etc.—always contrive to forcibly shove me back into my natural state…