Is it Naive to have Hope?

The world as a whole? It's kind of shitty and you're just an insignificant speck in the grand scheme of humanity. However, your world doesn't have to be like the whole world. On an individual basis, you're important and could even be a beacon of light for the rest to look to. There are beautiful things and people in this world, but in general you are nothing to the masses. Be the difference and see the world thru rose tinted glasses. The great thing is, just because the rest might seem ugly, that doesn't mean you need to follow suit. In other words, be the beautiful flower in that pile of shit and show that there is beauty yet. You never know, you could be the catalyst for change, albeit unlikely in the grand scheme of things.

I can understand why some people are cynical and have that sort of mindset. Though a lot of them just become defeatist and create their own feedback loop of negativity. Even if you try something and are let down, or fail, at least there's usually something to learn from or grow off of. That's something they often will never reach. Don't worry about how people like that see you(or anyone for that matter). They obviously fail to see the good experiences they have and take for granted the positive things in their life. If you try something and it's a good experience, build off it or cherish the good memories, and if you try something and it fails, learn from it and try again.

But like you said, you never know. I say keep being a "naïve" optimist. The only reason we are where we are is because some "naïve" fool dared to dream something. To fly like the birds or convince millions of perfectly healthy humans to shun face to face interaction and instead imprison themselves in a room in front of a terminal that projects the amazing world that is right outside their doorsteps.

To be honest the world is never going to change, its people make it a horrible place but you as a person CAN change everything that surrounds you so your own vision isn't affected by those that are just as pessimistic as those guys. A single person isn't going to do anything but you can actually live a great life if you work hard on it. No naivety, no stupidity. Determination that is. That's all.

"Is it Naive to have Hope?" Probably, but what should that matter. Hope is hope. If you have hope and someone does not then sure you can choose to share, but also know that as you do not care to share in their pessimism, they might not care to share in your optimism.

I don't get Debbie Downers. Life is what you make of it - one should do their best to be optimistic so that they keep motivated to improve on things. I don't think the world is a crummy place - there are so many beautiful things out there.