I’m referring to someone whose own pessimism causes them to see negativity where there is no actual basis for it.

Yes, you described that guy accurately. And that’s hardly surprising, because in this world, he has no choice but to be a sociopath.

As for the idea that I might be talking nonsense—that’s unlikely; I have far too much practical life experience to spout complete rubbish. I’ve clawed my way to the top three times in my life, only to hit rock bottom again. Right now, I’m at the bottom once more. Would you be an optimist if you were in my shoes, Comrade? ... ))) And please, don’t tell me that I’m the one to blame for it all, rather than the way life is set up!

I am an optimist, a revolutionary optimist.

You just got lucky, Comrade! I'm happy for you.

I was just like that once, too.

I have to hold onto hope to move forward, and do my best to temper that with sober and grounded analysis.

Yes, it's Dostoevsky: The most terrible thing is when a person has nowhere to go. This quote reflects one of Fyodor Dostoevsky's most haunting themes: the crushing despair of total alienation and the human necessity for purpose.