Liberals ought to be more optimistic about opportunities for success in the U.S.

Thanks Britt. "1.1) Optimism or pessimism is a matter of temperament, not politics, philosophy, or reason" I would argue that both are a matter of attitude versus temperament. Temperament is something one is born with-- more of a natural predisposition. Whereas attitude is an orientation of the mind resulting from experiences, opinions, biases and conclusions based on reason-- all of which are typically used to arrive at one's political and philosophical positions. So I hold that it is possible to link one's political philosophy with his tendency to be optimistic or pessimistic in attitude with regard to specific issues. For example, it is safe to say that conservatives, in general, hold a pessimistic view of welfare as an effective way to deal with the poor-- regardless of their natural temperament. "1.2)Either way, there is little to no correlation between temperament and "strictly economic" success..." That might be true, but I believe most would agree there is definitely a correlation between ATTITUDE and economic success. And I would also argue that one of optimism is preferable to one of pessimism. For example, success often results from one's willingness to put forth constant and continual effort in pursuit of success. It's reasonable to say it would be much more difficult for one to put forth such effort if he believes his effort will undoubtedly end in failure. Conversely it is reasonable to say a perpetually optimistic person is more likely to continue through a multitude of failures until his optimism is fulfilled. So in your example of the job interview, though I cannot prove optimism will help a less qualified person beat out a more qualified person, I can say with confidence that a relentlessly optimistic candidate is more likely to continue applying for jobs and going on more interviews until he gets hired. "1.3)"Ought" implies "can," and if someone is by temperament an optimist or a pessimist, it is futile to say that they "ought" to be different from what they are." Again, neither pessimism nor optimism are products of temperament but of attitude. Since attitude is more persuadable to change than is temperament, it is within reach that one might reverse his attitude of pessimism or at least mitigate it with the proper influences. For example, one could have a pessimistic attitude toward investing in the stock market, and then later become quite optimistic after taking a course on investing. So one can and "ought" to reverse an attitude of pessimism if it will serve him to do so. "2) ....*why* should they necessarily change their outlook? "In the game of life, a man can only lose so many hands before he begins to think that losing is the natural consequence of his playing." "why should we change?" Because life is a numbers game. Yes, I am admitting that success requires some luck in addition to hard work. But I also know that luck comes to those who work hard and stay in the game. Optimism is the key to perseverance. It is what keeps us moving forward after multiple failures. Once we become pessimistic and are intellectually and emotionally convinced we were born to lose, there is not sense in continuing. It is, as you say, futile. Keeping a positive attitude is the only way to get passed a string of losing hands (to keep with your analogy) without walking away. "3)If most liberals are pessimists, as you claim, it is not only on account of their economic situation, though that may be part of the equation." I believe the reason for economic pessimism on the part of liberals is irrelevant. I just want to make sure we agree that liberals in general hold that attitude. I will assume that you are in agreement because you did not refute it in your 1st round argument-- other than to suggest such pessimism could be referred to as "existential melancholy" (paragraph 4). "The poor and uneducated are trapped in the cycle of poverty, and while some may get out, the large majority do not." If I were a betting man I'd say it is likely that the ones who did get out did not see themselves at "trapped" and sustained a belief that it was possible to move ahead. "I have already said I am not a pessimist or an optimist." The debate resolution is not aimed at you in particular, but liberals in general. But I appreciate your views, especially those on corporate welfare and conspicuous consumption. "Barring me winning the lottery or something similar: Tell ME I ought to be more optimistic about my chances for economic success." Well, in my opinion, you are one of the most eloquent and masterful debaters on this site. Unless you have a greater talent, I would feel strongly optimistic about a career in journalism. I am in no way trying to minimize your particular disability, but I sincerely believe that in this day and age the disabled are more capable than ever before. Thanks to the internet, one does not have to leave home to pursue a college degree, go to work, or even have s face-to-face conversation. Last year my daughter completed her eighth-grade school year online. Her teacher never left the house.