I’m often labeled as a pessimist, but I really don’t like it or feel that it’s even accurate. What I am is aware. When I hear something, but do not know all of the relevant details, I strive to find out. Once I have information, I want to share it, but that’s where people start talking to me about seeing things as half-empty. I’m not looking for the downside; I’m looking to understand and to help everyone else understand. Understanding gives way to rational decisions. What is the benefit? What is the risk? What makes more sense? I want to be able to consider all angles and all possible options.
At the same time, I sometimes wish I were less like this. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss or hope or peace. Ignorance is easier. It would be much simpler to hear about what wonderful things could happen—a treatment for a disease, an invention that will change the world—and not want to know anything beyond the headline. To stop looking for more information, evaluating it, determining the pros and cons. To just accept and hope. It would be easier, but it wouldn’t be me. Digging for that knowledge and trying to see the bigger picture—That is who I am and what I do. All too often, that’s seen as raining on the parade, when it’s just trying to understand.
