Nothing wrong with pessimism. I find a realistic approach to life includes embracing both pessimism and optimism. That man approaching me might have a knife; but I hope he doesn't. He looks mean; but he might be a nice guy. People take the world for granted while living in their happy bubbles. All it takes is one tiny glitch in the matrix to make that comfort zone very uncomfortable. But if you prepare your mind for the worst, even expecting the worst, when the negative shit goes down, you're ready. Then the problem is not so profound. Prepare yourself for the worst; if something good happens, the feeling of reward is multiplied since reward was not expected. If all one does is hope for the best and then gets the best, there is no feeling of reward. An always positive mentality leads to most things being taken for granted. A life without surprises.

People feel down. Feeling down is something many neglected to do or accept as natural. Alcohol can replace the illusion of constant comfort and joy, but much like a life filled with only comfort and joy, the comfort and joy becomes so commonplace there is no longer feelings of comfort and joy. People chase those feelings, drinking more and more, but never achieving that first time surprise feeling all over again, so it becomes a problem. A dependency to feel good, but never feeling good.

I think that made sense. Maybe it did. Maybe it didn't. I thank you for bringing out that chain of thoughts though.