Optimism is Cowardice
by Q, 2006

Based on Optimismus ist Feigheit by A Paul Weber, c1934 (below).










   Copyright 2006 Asia Times Online

Optimismus ist Feigheit
by A Paul Weber, c1934

A Paul Weber (1893-1980) was a German artist, illustrator and social commentator. His
anti-Nazi activities resulted in his imprisonment from July to December 1937.  

Weber's title for this work comes from the following passage by Oswald Spengler: 

 "Already the danger is so great, for every individual, every class, every people, that to cherish any illusion whatever is deplorable. Time does not suffer itself to be halted; there is no question of prudent retreat or wise renunciation. Only dreamers believe that there is a way out. Optimism is cowardice.

"We are born into this time and must bravely follow the path to the destined end. There is no other way. Our duty is to hold on to the lost position, without hope, without rescue, like that Roman soldier whose bones were found in front of a door in Pompeii, who, during the eruption of Vesuvius, died at his post because they forgot to relieve him. That is greatness. That is what it means to be a thoroughbred. The honorable end is the one thing that can not be taken from a man."
                        - Oswald Spengler, Man and Technics, 1931